collegegazette.com https://collegegazette.com/ News, Rankings, and More on Higher Education Wed, 15 Mar 2023 21:22:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 The Best Film Schools in New York https://collegegazette.com/best-film-schools-in-new-york/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 21:21:58 +0000 https://collegegazette.com/?p=8927 Lights, camera, action!  Students dreaming of a future career in film and television flock to New York in droves each year to actualize this aspiration.  Due to New York’s pulse on all things entertainment, fashion, and art, the state is perfect for students wanting to enter these industries as well. In fact, more than 100,000 […]

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Lights, camera, action! 

Students dreaming of a future career in film and television flock to New York in droves each year to actualize this aspiration. 

Due to New York’s pulse on all things entertainment, fashion, and art, the state is perfect for students wanting to enter these industries as well. In fact, more than 100,000 New Yorkers are employed in the film and television industry.

With more than 20 institutions offering film degrees across the state of New York, there is no dearth of options for aspiring filmmakers. 

Those wanting to be in the middle of the action may gravitate toward the bustling campuses of New York University or the Fashion Institute of Technology. 

On the other hand, Syracuse University and Ithaca College, which are located in upstate New York, offer stellar programs within a slower-paced environment. 

Whether students want to be behind or in front of the camera, these film schools offer a breadth of insight into the industry at-large. 

Here are 10 of the best film schools in New York. The schools on this list were chosen as they are regularly selected among the top film schools in major publications, including Niche, Universities.com, and others.


Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY)

Rochester Institute of Technology
Stilfehler, Rochester Institute of Technology 76, CC BY-SA 4.0

The School of Film and Animation at the Rochester Institute of Technology is a burgeoning filmmaker’s dream. 

This program prepares students to pursue a career in an array of sectors in film, including motion picture, television, and non-broadcast. 

Additionally, the school offers Toon Boom technology—a premier animation and storyboarding software—for animation enthusiasts. 

After graduation, many students go on to work in media’s biggest companies, such as Walt Disney, Sony, Dolby, and Lucasfilm. Film credits for alumni include Frozen, Rogue One, The Simpsons, and more. 

In fall 2022, the School of Film and Animation program launched “Study Away: LA,” which gives a small cohort of students the opportunity to spend a semester in Los Angeles getting involved in hands-on projects while enrolling in two courses. 


Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, NY)

Pratt Institute
Jim.henderson, Higgins Institute Pratt jeh, CC BY-SA 4.0

Pratt’s BFA in Film has clear objectives for graduating students: 1) plan and executive all phases of the filmmaking process, 2) analyze cinematic projects historically, theoretically, or culturally, 3) display technical and aesthetic competency, 4) convey creative and conceptual ideas. 

The foundation of the Pratt BFA is built upon students having a strong understanding of film. As first-year students, Film majors enroll in Film Fundamentals and Technical Practices along with filmmaking in Fiction I, Nonfiction, Expanded Cinema, and Fiction II.

As seniors, students produce their own film, which is screened publicly in New York. 

One of the program’s most popular extracurriculars is Film Cult, which hosts weekly film screenings and regular discussions with leading filmmakers. 


Fashion Institute of Technology (New York, NY)

The Film and Media degree at the Fashion Institute of Technology is a unique collaboration between the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Art and Design. 

Students interested in Film and Media can pursue this subject area as an AAS (Associates of Applied Science) or as a BS (Bachelor’s of Science). After attaining a degree from the Film and Media program, alumni enter a myriad of fields: advertising, edition, feature films, and more. 

In the AAS and BS programs, students learn the intricacies of filmmaking along with narrative, documentary, experimental, and video installation. 

After completing the senior thesis film project, students have their work showcased at FIT’s annual film festival. 

Upon graduating, alumni have a demo reel that demonstrates a student’s talent and extensive skill set, giving them an edge for jobs in the film industry.


Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY)

Ithaca College Park School of Communications, Ithaca College
Kenneth C. Zirkel, Park School of Communications, Ithaca College, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ithaca College offers a Film, Photography, and Visual Arts major at its Roy H. Park School of Communications. 

This degree is suitable for those hoping to develop a range of skills across photography, film, video, and fine arts.

During the first year, students will take classes in photography and film production, allowing students to work in darkrooms, video editing stations, television studios, and more. 

For those wanting to get a taste of a West Coast lifestyle, Ithaca College offers a Los Angeles program, where students can pursue semester-long internships while taking classes from L.A.-based Ithaca College affiliates. 

Many graduates go on to enter the fields of art and production after leaving Ithaca College. 


Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY)

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is no stranger to accolades. 

The film program is consistently ranked in the top 25 in the United States (The Hollywood Reporter) and top 30 in North America (Variety). 

It’s easy to understand why the film program at Syracuse is widely regarded as one of the best: students can participate in study abroad programs in Prague and Bologna, attend Sundance and other prestigious film festivals, and study under professionals at the forefront of the film industry. 

For the Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, the degree program is structured to ensure that each student learns the minutiae of filmmaking. 

First-year students are expected to take a film history class and complete a film production course, while the second year focuses on essential filmmaking skills. Upper-level students have greater flexibility over their academic pathway to suit their professional interests.

For those seeking graduate studies, the College of Visual and Performing Arts offers a three-year film MFA program


The New School (New York, NY)

The film program at the New School is housed under the School of Media Studies, which offers a Master of Arts in Media Studies and a Master of Science in Media Management. 

Both programs are interdisciplinary in nature and equip students with a spate of skills across media, such as media theory, media business, and media technology. 

For those focused on film specifically, the Master in Media Studies is the best fit!

The Master of Arts in Media Studies is two years, and is offered in a full-time and part-time format. Moreover, students can elect to complete the degree on campus or remotely. 

Those who earn a Media Studies degree are not just limited to film. In fact, alumni go on into film, marketing, media management, media advocacy, media research, and education. 


Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY)

Vassar College Center for Drama and Film
Collin Knopp-Schwyn, Vogelstein Center for Drama and Film, May 2014, CC BY 4.0

Tucked away in the idyllic hills of the Hudson Valley, Vassar College is one of the first liberal arts colleges to develop a robust film major.

The foundation of the Film Department at Vassar rests upon a firm understanding of film history and theory

As students progress in the program, they grapple with film history, theory, fiction, and non-fiction production, and screenwriting for shorts and feature films. 

On the production front, students work in 16mm filmmaking, video production, animation, digital media, and more. 

Vassar students have access to top-notch internships in New York, Los Angeles, and other film industry hubs. Previous places students have interned at include Paramount Pictures, BBC, Comedy Central, MTV Networks, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the American Pavilion at Cannes, among many others. 


Fordham University (Bronx, NY)

Housed in Lincoln Center, Fordham University’s Film and Television program has a mission to produce well-rounded filmmakers. 

Students don’t just learn about cutaways, ambient lighting, and aperture here. Instead, Fordham—adhering to its liberal arts approach—requires students to explore theology, philosophy, history, mathematics, and languages along with its film curriculum. 

Due to the extensive nature of a Fordham education, students are prepared to tackle an evolving media environment. This is why many current students successfully secure competitive internships at The Late Show, The Tonight Show, Nickelodeon, CBS, and more. 

Additionally, alumni are equipped to not just enter the film industry but other industries as well upon leaving Fordham. Recent graduates have gone on to pursue careers in global sourcing, marketing, communications, film, and more. 


Columbia University (New York, NY)

Columbia University Hall
Beyond My Ken, 2014 Columbia University Earl Hall from north, CC BY-SA 4.0

Five Columbia filmmakers won prizes at Sundance 2023, including the Festival Favorite Award, the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize, and the NHK Award. 

In 2022, seven Columbia filmmakers were chosen to join the prestigious British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA) programs. In 2018, The Hollywood Reporter named Columbia’s Film program #5 in the nation. 

At Columbia University School of the Arts, students can earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Writing. 

Furthermore, the School of Arts offers a Master’s in Film and Media Studies. On the filmmaking track, students can pursue one of three pathways: Screenwriting & Directing, Creative Producing, and Writing for Film & Television. 

For undergraduate students, the School of Arts has a Bachelor’s-level Film and Media studies major

One can find Columbia Film alumni across the media industry, including actor James Franco, director James Mangold, and actor Lin Shaye. 


New York University (New York, NY)

In 2023, NYU’s film programs were named #2 in the United States by Niche. Moreover, nine alumni from NYU’s film programs were nominees for the 2023 Academy Awards.

At NYU’s Tisch School of Arts, students can earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s in Film & Television and Film, respectively. In both programs, students will receive a liberal arts education, preparing them to take on an array of industries after graduation. 

In the film realm specifically, students are exposed to the conceptual and production aspects of film, cinematography, and video. 

Furthermore, students can take classes that focus on acting, directing, writing, producing, film editing, sound mixing, and more. 

As graduation nears, students attend “The Senior Colloquium: Exit Strategies,” a series of lectures that covers all things media related, such as copyright, set protocols, digital technology, pitching stories, and more. 

Additionally, Tisch offers a robust career development center to ensure students can seamlessly transition from Tisch to the world.

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The 10 Best Master’s in Business Analytics Schools in the US https://collegegazette.com/best-masters-in-business-analytics-schools-in-the-us/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 20:55:32 +0000 https://collegegazette.com/?p=8920 Business Analytics requires analyzing data, surmising outcomes, and then charting ahead with an informed business decision.  With the rising ubiquity of the internet and subsequent data collection, Business Analytics is becoming a more popular field of study.  Many of the nation’s top business schools, from the Sloan School of Management to the Marshall School of […]

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Business Analytics requires analyzing data, surmising outcomes, and then charting ahead with an informed business decision. 

With the rising ubiquity of the internet and subsequent data collection, Business Analytics is becoming a more popular field of study. 

Many of the nation’s top business schools, from the Sloan School of Management to the Marshall School of Business, offer Business Analytics programs to meet this demand. 

Any student interested in both business and data analysis is the perfect candidate to study Business Analytics. 

However, it is important to note that Business Analytics can be deployed in a variety of sectors, such as healthcare, retail, real estate, or technology. 

These are the 10 best master’s in business analytics schools in the US as ranked by QS World University Rankings.


10. Boston University Questrom School of Business (Boston, MA)

Boston University
Boston University – Public domain photo via Wikimedia Commons

A 37-credit program, the Master’s of Science in Business Analytics at the Boston University Questrom School of Business can be completed on a 12 or 16-month track. 

The 16-month track is geared toward students hoping to pursue a summer internship before their final semester in the program. 

In lieu of the internship program, 12-month students are required to complete a capstone project with industry partners during their final semester to showcase their acumen in the field.

In the Business Analytics program, students can expect to gain the requisite skills to excel in a real-world business analytics environment. 

Throughout the course of the program, students will learn a plethora of programming languages (Python, R, Google Cloud Platform, SQL, and so forth), statistics and machine learning, and business applications. 

After graduation, alumni pursue a myriad of career paths, including analytics consulting, applied data science, business intelligence, healthcare analytics, customer and marketing analytics, and so forth. 


9. Texas A&M University Mays Business School (College Station, TX)

Gig ’em! 

At Texas A&M University, students can pursue a Master’s of Analytics at the Mays Business School. 

The Master’s of Analytics program is exceptionally flexible, with the program happening part-time in person and via live-video stream on Tuesdays and Thursdays, meaning that students do not have to relocate to Texas to enroll. 

The curriculum was made with real-world application in mind. Students can expect a hands-on approach to learning regression analysis, time series, SAS, R, and Python. 

At the end of the program, students compile a capstone project that utilizes real data to build a predictive model, which can then be used as a resumé booster. 

In 2022, the Master’s of Analytics program was named a Bronze Recipient for the QS Reimagine Award for Best Online Program. 


8. Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business (East Lansing, MI)

For over half a decade, Michigan State has been ranked as the number one school for graduate supply chain management.

The Master’s in Business Data Science and Analytics program at Michigan State is very competitive. As such, the maximum class size for each cohort of students is 48 students. Despite the selective nature of the program, students do not need to have prior work experience in business data science or analytics to be considered. 

In this program, students can expect to learn about data mining, marketing technology, applied statistical approaches, and data interpretation. 

Unlike programs at other business schools, the business analytics program at Michigan State follows a strict schedule that mandates students to be full-time. 


7. University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management (Minneapolis, MN)

Test-optional, GMAT/GRE optional, and completed in 12 months—these are some of the biggest draws of the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management’s Master’s of Science in Business Analytics program.

The Carlson School of Management takes pride in its experiential learning model. Each student in the Master’s of Business Analytics program is required to participate in the Carlson Analytics Lab as data analytics consultants. 

This allows students to be critical thinkers, practice real-world applications of classroom teachings, and communicate with business stakeholders.

Unlike other programs, the Master’s of Business Analytics program at the Carlson School presents students with the opportunity to undertake several capstone projects throughout their degree program. As such, students graduate from the program with a degree and several resumé boosters.


6. Purdue University Daniels School of Business (West Lafayette, IN)

Purdue University Daniels School of Business
Public domain photo via Wikimedia Commons

Purdue University’s Master’s of Science in Business Analytics and Information Management prepares its students for the workforce. The program takes place over the course of 11-months and is a full-time program.

Upon graduating, students will have a plethora of skills: Python, Rstudio, Excel, SQL, SAS, Minitab, Hadoop, Gurobi, and other big data technologies. Additionally, the Krannert School houses the Krenecki Center for Business Analytics & Machine Learning to combine research and data-related problem-solving.

Post-graduation, alumni of this program have amazing prospects and go into industries like supply chain analytics, investment analytics, or corporate finance analytics. 

In 2021, 100% of graduates achieved job placement in leading companies, such as Amazon, Deutsche Bank, Microsoft, S&P Global, eBay, Wayfair and others. Additionally, the average salary of alumni is $121,632.

Recently, Purdue’s business school changed its named to the Daniels School of Business; it was previously the Krannert School of Management.


5. University of Washington Foster School of Business (Seattle, WA)

University of Washington Foster School of Business
Fbwcpsh, Dempsey Hall, CC BY-SA 4.0

Housed in a top-ranked business school, the Business Analytics program at the University of Washington Foster School of Business is unparalleled. 

With a class size of up to 90 students, each cohort fosters a close-knit community and individualized attention from professors.

The Business Analytics program prioritizes working around students’ schedules, offering evening and weekend classes on campus. 

The curriculum combines technical skills, such as SQL and R, and business skills to allow students to hone their analytical skills and financial prowess. 

Alumni of the program enjoy a starting salary that averages $92,000

To ensure students are prepared to enter the workforce after graduation, the program offers career coaching/workshops, mock interviews, portfolio and resume review, and networking events. 

Many alumni of the program go on to work at Amazon, Expedia, Microsoft, the Seattle Mariners, and more after graduation.


4. USC Marshall School of Business (Los Angeles, CA)

One of the longest-running Business Analytics programs in the world, the Master’s of Science at the USC Marshall School of Business is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. 

The program prides itself on being a STEM program with a business-oriented bent. In fact, the three pillars of the program are computer science; statistics, machine learning, and optimization; and business strategy. 

Students can expect to hone their STEM skills by participating in the programs Data Con LA, which draws nearly 2000 participants from across the country.

Much of the curriculum is project-based and requires students to delve into areas of finance, marketing, supply chain, sports analytics, HR, management, and more. 

The program is divided into three semesters, with an option to extend to a fourth semester. Students are encouraged to complete an internship during the summer semester. 


3. University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business (Austin, TX)

University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business
Larry D. Moore, Battle hall 2014, CC BY-SA 4.0

Hook ’em! 

Many business analytics students are “hooked” to the program available at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business, and it’s easy to understand why. 

The program was ranked #1 in Business Analytics in US by Eduniversal, #1 in Campus Environment by the Princeton Review, and #6 in Classroom Experience by the Princeton Review. 

The program spans across ten months and is available in a full-time format for in-person students. However, those interested in a part-time program can enroll in a 23-month online option that works around the schedules of working professionals. 

Due to the comprehensive nature of the Business Analytics program, students can go on to work in an array of disciplines, including applied statistics, computer science, risk management, applied mathematics, operations research, and more. 


2. UCLA Anderson School of Management (Los Angeles, CA)

UCLA’s Master of Business Analytics has all the bragging rights—it’s been ranked the #2 program in the world for the past 4 years in a row

A 15-month program, the Master of Business Analytics trains students to deftly combine tech and business to reach the forefront of both fields. However, the curriculum does not follow the typical Business Analytics format. Instead, there are unique learning opportunities, such as data storytelling and improv workshops, to have students engage extensively with learning materials. 

Additionally, the program boasts a 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which allows students to have individualized attention from professors. 

After graduating from the Business Analytics program, alumni go on to work in big tech, social media, software, consulting, e-commerce, fintech, biotech, transportation, and entertainment companies.


1. MIT Sloan School of Management (Cambridge, MA)

MIT Sloan School of Management
Public domain photo via Wikimedia Commons

It’s no mystery why the Business Analytics at the MIT Sloan School of Management is #1. 

In 2021, 100% of job-seeking graduates from the Business Analytics program accepted a job offer within six months of graduation. The average base salary of recent alumni is $127,750. Graduates are leaders at top companies, such as Accenture, Citadel, JPMorgan Chase, Uber, and Oracle. 

An accelerated program, the Master’s of Business Analytics is 12 months long and delivers a doctoral-level STEM degree to its students. 

This rigorous program ensures that students are fluent in machine learning, optimization methods, software technologies, analytics, and more. 

Additionally, students are required to complete a capstone project that pairs them with leading companies, such as Accenture, BMW, Coca-Cola, Bumble, and more. 

Outside the capstone project, students can partake in research with more than 50 MIT professors to further their understanding of business and data. 

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The Best Universities in Europe https://collegegazette.com/best-universities-in-europe/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 20:21:54 +0000 https://collegegazette.com/?p=8915 Every year, thousands of students worldwide flock to Europe to pursue their education. Why is it that Europe is one of the most popular study-abroad locations?  Europe is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, from ancient universities with centuries-old traditions to modern, cutting-edge institutions. European universities are responsible for producing some of […]

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Every year, thousands of students worldwide flock to Europe to pursue their education. Why is it that Europe is one of the most popular study-abroad locations? 

Europe is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, from ancient universities with centuries-old traditions to modern, cutting-edge institutions.

European universities are responsible for producing some of the greatest minds in history. 

From Nobel laureates to influential political leaders, these establishments have played an essential role in shaping education and the modern world as we know it.

The universities outlined below each have a long-standing history of excellence, providing various degree programs and research opportunities. 

Each university selected from Switzerland to the United Kingdom offers unique benefits to those seeking a top-notch education. 

When researching universities, the options can be daunting for prospective students. With so many institutions to choose from, it can take time to narrow down the best options. 

To help make the decision easier, we have compiled a list of 10 of the best universities in Europe that every student should know about. Read on to find out more about these fantastic universities and why they should be on your radar.

Here are 10 of the best universities in Europe.


University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, NL)

The University of Amsterdam has a long list of awards and achievements to its name. One impressive feat is UvA’s Economics and Business program’s triple crown of accreditation from the AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB.

UvA also has an outstanding list of famous alumni, which includes astronauts, Nobel Prize winners, and Prime Ministers. 

Some of their most notable graduates include Charles Michel (President of the European Council), Melvin V Peebles (American actor and filmmaker), and Sutan Sjahrir (former Prime Minister of Indonesia). 

At UvA, students can choose from hundreds of courses and programs in areas such as humanities, law, economics, and science. 

You might consider UvA if you value research-led teaching, opportunities for international exchange, and the high quality of life that is found in Amsterdam. 


London School of Economics and Political Science (London, EN)

London School of Economics and Political Science
Shadowssettle, Centre Building, LSE from LSE Square, CC BY-SA 4.0

Founded in 1895 by the Fabian Society, a group of British intellectuals and social reformers, LSE has long been a leader in economics, political science, law, and international relations. 

Throughout its long history, this university has established a reputation for excellence in research. 

It has consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world. In fact, according to the latest QS World University Rankings, LSE is ranked third in the world for Social Sciences. 

With a student body of over 12,000 students from 160 countries, LSE is a very attractive choice for students who want to attend a diverse college. 

They also boast a range of exciting extracurricular activities, including student-run societies and organizations, sports teams, and student media outlets. 


King’s College London (London, EN)

Kings College is known for its achievements in research and education, having received several awards, including the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher Education in 2016 and the Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and Technology in 2018.

This university has produced remarkable alumni such as Mahatma Gandhi and Alexander Graham Bell.

Kings College offers a wide range of degree programs in the fields of medicine, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. 

The university also provides career services and job fairs, helping students find employment after graduation.

Overall, Kings College London is an excellent choice for those looking for a top-notch education while also getting the chance to experience the culture and lifestyle in the vibrant city of London.


University of Manchester (Manchester, EN)

University of Manchester
AMUoM, Sackville Street Building, University of Manchester, CC BY-SA 4.0

The University of Manchester has a rich history that dates back to 1824. In 2004 the famous industrial city’s two pronounced colleges (the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and Victoria University) combined to form the University of Manchester as we know it today.  

The university is home to some of the world’s leading researchers and has won numerous awards for its innovation, including the Nobel Prize and the Turing Award. 

In total, they have produced 25 Nobel Prize winners, including physicist Ernest Rutherford who discovered the structure of the atom. 

With over 40,000 students enrolled, the University of Manchester is the largest single-site campus in the UK. Outside of the UK, the institution also has a strong presence, with campuses in China, India, and Singapore. 


University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh, UK)

The University of Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most prestigious and highly respected institutions. Ranked 6th in Europe and 29th in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023.

Edinburgh offers an impressive range of courses, with 300 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs to choose from. 

In addition, it is known for its excellence in research and is a select member of the Russell Group.

The University has several unique features which make it an attractive choice for students. It provides a range of student societies, from music and drama to political activism and international studies. 

It also has a vibrant campus culture, with numerous festivals, art galleries, museums, and a wealth of sporting facilities.

Edinburgh provides a world-class education and a stimulating learning environment that challenges and inspires students. With a strong sense of community and a wealth of resources, it offers considerable opportunities for students to reach their full potential.


ETH Zurich (Zurich, CH)

ETH Zurich
ETH-Bibliothek, ETH Zürich im Abendlicht, CC BY-SA 4.0

ETH Zurich is one of the top universities in Europe and a premier destination for students seeking an elite education. 

This university has an impressive faculty roster, which allows students ample opportunity to work closely with leading experts in their field. 

The history of ETH Zurich is fascinating. In the 19th century, the university was founded with the mission to excel in engineering and natural sciences by the Swiss Federal Government. 

Over time it has grown to encompass many more disciplines. However, ETH Zurich is still known for its research excellence and cutting-edge technology. 

ETH Zurich has also produced some of the most famous people from Europe. Such as physicist Albert Einstein, who, sometime after graduating, went on to teach at the university. 

For students looking to receive a world-class education, ETH Zurich is an excellent choice. 

With its stellar faculty, impressive research, and history of producing notable figures, ETH Zurich is a great option for anyone looking to take their education to the next level.


Imperial College London (London, EN)

If you are looking for one of the top universities in Europe, Imperial College London is definitely worth considering. Located in the heart of London, ICL is a prestigious institution and is ranked among Europe’s best universities. 

At ICL, students have a wide variety of courses to choose from, ranging from natural sciences, engineering, and technology to medicine and business. 

Imperial College London boasts some impressive statistics regarding student life. 

The college has a high number of international students and is also home to several prestigious societies, such as the Royal Society, the Institute of Electrical Engineers, and the Royal Academy of Engineering. 

It also offers 90+ sports clubs, including exciting outdoor sports such as mountaineering and windsurfing.

With so much going on both inside and outside the classroom, Imperial College London is an excellent option for any student looking for an unforgettable experience.


University College London (London, EN)

University College London
Ethan Doyle White, The UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies, CC BY-SA 4.0

Founded in 1826, UCL has a long history of excellence in academics and research. UCL is based in London, England, and has over 38,000 students enrolled in its various programs. 

Currently, UCL has 30 Nobel Prize winners, making it the highest number of any university in the UK. 

UCL has been highly placed in all the major university rankings, such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings, and Academic Ranking of World Universities. 

QS has ranked UCL in the top 10 for two years consecutively. Additionally, the university was recognized as one of the leading European universities for international student diversity in 2018.


University of Cambridge (Cambridge, EN)

The University of Cambridge is a renowned institution with a long and distinguished history. 

Its alumni have gone on to accomplish great success and its departments are acclaimed for their many outstanding achievements.

Cambridge’s highly esteemed departments and constituent colleges are recognized around the world. 

Some of the school’s noted facilities include the Cavendish Laboratory, a leading center for physics research; the Mathematical Laboratory, home to several eminent mathematicians; and Trinity College, known for producing world-famous scientists, political minds, and writers. 

Scholars Francis Crick and James Watson were credited with discovering the structure of DNA while working at the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge. The university has achieved many more notable successes, such as being the alma mater of several Nobel Prize winners.  


Oxford University (Oxford, EN)

Queen's College, Oxford University
Odicalmuse, Facade of The Queen’s College, Oxford, 2020, CC BY-SA 4.0

Founded in 1096, the University of Oxford is one of the oldest collegiate institutions in the world and consistently ranks as one of the top universities globally. 

Many famous scholars have studied or taught at the University of Oxford—such as JRR Tolkien, Albert Einstein, Sir Stephen Hawking, Bill Clinton, and Tim Berners-Lee. 

Oxford is also one of the largest universities in the world, made up of 39 colleges scattered throughout the historic city. 

In 2022, the university was ranked first among European universities and fifth in the world by US News

Equally as impressive, the university consistently proves to be among the best research-intensive universities, with four separate departments in the top five for research quality.

In addition to its academic excellence, Oxford is known for its beautiful campus buildings, including the Radcliffe Camera Library and the Christ Church Cathedral. 

For students seeking culture and history, the university is also home to some of the finest museums in England.

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The 10 Best Universities in Japan https://collegegazette.com/best-universities-in-japan/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:42:31 +0000 https://collegegazette.com/?p=8908 Japan is known for its high educational standards, its focus on technology and its natural beauty.  From the museums and neon nightlife of Tokyo, to the vast forests and mountains, to intimate tea ceremonies and historic temples, Japan is appealing to nature lovers, entrepreneurs, and global adventurers.  Navigating between cities is easy by train, and […]

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Japan is known for its high educational standards, its focus on technology and its natural beauty. 

From the museums and neon nightlife of Tokyo, to the vast forests and mountains, to intimate tea ceremonies and historic temples, Japan is appealing to nature lovers, entrepreneurs, and global adventurers. 

Navigating between cities is easy by train, and the trains are renowned for being punctual. 

Japanese universities welcome international students, and many offer scholarships and degree programs taught in English. Opportunities are available for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies. 

And you won’t be alone. The number of U.S. students studying in Japan has increased every year since 2014. 

U.S. News and World Report’s  2022 Best Countries to Study Abroad list ranks the U.S. and Great Britain first and second, with Japan closely following at number 6. 

Japan received high marks for quality of life, heritage, entrepreneurship and cultural influence. The country is also seen as highly progressive and modern.

Whether regarding the arts or natural resources or technology, Japan is a country that values history and culture while celebrating innovation. Studying at a university in Japan could be the adventure of a lifetime.

This ranking is based on a weighted score assigned to each school based on its position in other ranking lists in major online publications. The sources for those rankings are at the end of this article.


10. Waseda University (Tokyo, JP)

Global citizenship for its students is a prime goal of Waseda University, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It aims to earn the status of a global university by 2032, the college’s 150th anniversary.

Waseda has thirteen undergraduate schools and twenty-three graduate schools, with campuses at six locations. 

Among its many notable alumni are nine prime ministers of Japan, world-renowned writer Haruki Murakami, and former CEOs of Sony, Honda, and Toshiba.

Diversity is a point of pride for Waseda, as evidenced by its being home to Japan’s international students. 

Over 5000 international students from 100 countries study there. In addition to classes, students congregate at the Intercultural Communication Center, where the university’s goal to develop good global citizens flourishes through events, dialogue and interactions between students, faculty and staff.

As part of the Waseda experience, students receive a cap stamped with their name, department, school seal and the phrase “This certifies that the owner is a student of Waseda.” The cap was specially designed to be distinctive and is considered a status symbol.

Between semesters, students enjoy a two-month break from studies, when they can explore Tokyo – considered one of the safest cities in the world – or travel further. The famous cherry blossoms – sakura – abound on campus and beyond.

Waseda believes their students can help bridge cultures and work across the globe to research, address and resolve complex global challenges.


9. Kyushu University (Fukuoka, JP)

Kyushu University
新幹線, Open Learning Plaza, Ito Campus, Kyushu University 20180903, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kyushu University is commonly referred to as Kyudai and is located in Fukuoka on the island of Kyushu. Fukuoka is ranked the number one city to live in in Japan. Kyudai’s campus is one of the largest in the country.

Over 2300 international students from 102 countries and regions study there. The university is recognized in the top 20 schools in all of Asia, and in the top 10 for research institutions.

Notable alumni include the first Japanese commander of the International Space Station, and the inventor of Siri.

The university has a 9 to 1 student to faculty ratio, with the School of Engineering boasting the most students. The schools of medicine, science, and economics are not far behind, and studies in agriculture, design, education, and many other subjects can be pursued.

The university’s annual Design Festival is held in November and is the biggest event of the year. Performances, interactive art, and exhibitions attract 20,000 visitors. The campus is decorated for the event, amplifying the beauty of the autumn season.


8. Keio University (Tokyo, JP)

This private university is situated in Minato, Tokyo, and has eleven campuses. It is one of only two universities in Japan, along with the University of Tokyo, to be a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global University Leaders Forum.

The school values both collaboration and jitsugaku, or empirical science, a way of learning through reason, observation and verification. It is considered the first Japanese university to welcome international students, first accepting them over 140 years ago.

Over 900 classes are conducted in English, and numerous degrees, both undergraduate and graduate, are offered entirely in English.

Research is valued and supported, with Keio dedicating top-notch facilities to science and technology. Keio University Hospital is among the best in Japan for education and research, as well as treatment.

It’s not all academics – they play hard in Keio, too. The university has a proud history of athletic accomplishment; almost 150 students and graduates have competed in the Olympics and Paralympics. To date, they’ve earned 5 gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze medals. 


7. Hokkaido University (Sapporo, JP)

Hokkaido University, located in Sapporo, offers scholarships to international students, including students who enter their Modern Japanese Studies Program. 

The MJSP is taught in both English and Japanese, helping students gain fluency in the language while they learn about the culture, politics, and history of Japan. 

Hokkaido also offers a 5-year Integrated Science Program, aimed mainly at international students who seek an accelerated program that will earn a Bachelor’s followed by a Master’s Degree. Students may specialize in biology, physics, or chemistry.

Over 18,000 students attend the university, which originated as Sapporo Agricultural College. Nowadays, the most popular undergraduate programs are engineering, medicine, and science, but agriculture is still offered at the undergrad and graduate levels. 

Hokkaido is home to the Institute of Seismology and Volcanology, which collaborates with observatories to help predict earthquakes and evaluate seismological data.  

And in 2021, the university established the Institute for the Advancement of Sustainability, which promotes a green and sustainable campus. 

The main campus is stunning, with ginkgo trees lining the streets. Their bright yellow leaves in fall are part of the expansive greenspace, inviting nearby visitors as well as tourists. 

In keeping with its interest in natural beauty, the University logo incorporates a flower, trillium, which grows on campus. 

The design represents the six directions – East, West, South, North, Heaven and Earth – which symbolizes how information is shared between Hokkaido University and the world. 


6. Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo, JP)

Known as Tokyo Tech, this prestigious research university specializes in science and technology, and admittance is considered highly competitive.

The university is home to the supercomputer Tsubame and is at the forefront of supercomputing, as well as a leader in the field of condensed matter research. 

About half of the 10,500 students are in undergraduate programs, and the other half are in master’s and doctoral programs. 

Tokyo Tech’s ambitious long-term goal is to be known as the world’s top science and technology university. Among the ways they plan to earn that title is by promoting international collaborative research.

The school’s seal features a stylized bird, and is called “Swallow at the Window.” In Japan, swallows signify good fortune. 

Students at Tokyo Tech have an opportunity to earn that good fortune by studying at state-of-the-art facilities in the midst of the world-class city of Tokyo. Who knows, they just might become part of the process of creating the best science and technology university on the planet. 


5. Nagoya University (Nagoya, JP)

Nagoya University
いどれいざん (Idoreizan), Nagoya University 00, CC BY-SA 4.0

Nagoya University, commonly referred to as Meidai or NU, is well-known for research in the sciences. Their G30 International Programs, established in 2011, are full degree programs where all classes are taught in English. 

NU’s concept of “courageous intellectuals” refers to students and faculty who prize audacity, courage and creativity. 

As proof, six Nobel Laureates have been affiliated with NU since 2000, and the university ranks in the top 5 in terms of the number of patents registered in the U.S. and Japan. 

Still teaching at NU is Hiroshi Amano, awarded the Nobel in physics for inventing the energy-efficient blue light-emitting diode, better known as LED. 

In 2022, the largest enrollments were in chemistry (School of Science) and in the School of Law. 

About 2400 of the school’s 16400 students are international, arriving from 97 countries. NU is actively working to increase that number. 

Students are not required to be proficient in the Japanese language to be admitted to NU, but all students take Japanese language courses. 

They can also improve their language proficiency by joining any of the school’s clubs, including clubs for manga enthusiasts, judo, a tea ceremony club, and groups focusing on art, music, and literature. 


4. Tohoku University (Sendai, JP)

Tohoku University has four main campuses home to over 17,000 students. The school is known for its research and appears on many rankings of the top research universities. 

Admissions are highly selective, but accepted students will have unique and intensive opportunities for study.

For its 115th anniversary in 2022, the university created a new logo featuring an image of the bush clover, or hagi, representing the knowledge that grows and blossoms.

Undergraduates hoping to study in English should check out programs in molecular chemistry, marine biology, or mechanical and aerospace engineering. At the same time, graduate students will discover quite a few opportunities in a wide range of fields. 

The Global Learning Center, International Student Help Desk, and the Center for Learning Support are there to assist international students in their studies. 

And when students have free time, they can visit the famous festivals of Sendai. The summer festival is called Tanabata Festival, where visitors write their wishes on colored paper which they tie to bamboo trees. 

As guests wander the festival, they’ll marvel at the beautiful decorations and streamers which will be judged for best design.

And in winter, don’t miss the Pageant of Starlight, which reveals zelkova trees lining the streets adorned with 600,000 lights. Although Tokyo is only an hour and a half away, students will discover much to keep them busy in Sendai.


3. Osaka University (Suita, JP)

With three campuses all just a short bus ride apart, Osaka University is organized into 11 undergraduate schools and 16 graduate schools. 

It has exchange agreements with colleges worldwide, allowing students to study in a school in their home country and at OU without paying additional tuition. Harvard, Cornell, CalTech, and Stanford offer such exchange agreements in the United States.

Accolades abound for OU, which receives high rankings in the areas of research and innovation. The university also excels in economics, and Osaka University’s graduates are widely represented in Japan’s top companies.

Like other academically competitive universities, Osaka holds regular athletic competitions as well. 

They recently began competing in windsurfing, where they’ve won intercollegiate prizes, and students can participate in dozens of other sports and activities, including rock climbing, badminton, archery, aikido, fencing, and more.

The university is known for its friendly atmosphere, and its location is ideal for students who love all four seasons. 

Japan is surrounded by water, and Osaka is home to Kaiyukan. In this aquarium, students can walk through a transparent tunnel and view colorful fish as well as otters, dolphins, sea lions, and seals. 

At OU, students may study in fully English programs, programs taught partially in English and partially in Japanese, or programs entirely taught in Japanese. Osaka University’s motto is “live locally, grow globally,” and students will have every chance to put that motto into practice.


2. Kyoto University (Kyoto, JP)

The second oldest university in Japan, Kyoto University is considered one of the top two in the country. Five prime ministers from Japan, 19 Nobel laureates, and scores of distinguished scholars, politicians, doctors, lawyers and other professionals hail from Kyoto U. 

The university has three campuses, with a fourth currently in progress. A wide range of programs and fields of study are available to both undergrad and graduate students.

Engineering can be studied entirely in English at the undergraduate level. For other fields, the Kyoto University International Undergraduate Degree program is taught in both English and Japanese. 

No proficiency in Japanese is required for admittance; students initially take intensive language courses, and once gaining proficiency, they study in their majors. 

When not in the classroom, students can explore Kyoto’s rich culture. Over 2000 shrines and temples coexist with modern technology companies like Nintendo. The city is circled by mountains and draws visitors year-round. 

Despite its popularity, Kyoto is less crowded than other major cities. Students can find their way around and explore sites like the Kyoto International Manga Museum. They can select to live in an international dormitory as they learn to speak Japanese and appreciate the region’s history and beauty. 


1. University of Tokyo (Tokyo, JP)

University of Tokyo
Kakidai, Yasuda Auditorium – Tokyo University 3, CC BY-SA 4.0

About 30,000 students, including 4,200 international students, are enrolled in the University of Tokyo, considered the most prestigious school in Japan. Its alumni include five astronauts, 18 Nobel Prize laureates, and 17 prime ministers.

A variety of undergraduate options are available to pursue, including Arts and Sciences, Medicine, Education, and Economics. The university’s law school is ranked first in Japan, and the university as a whole is widely considered the top research institution in the country. 

Commonly called Todai or UTokyo, the university’s graduates earn the highest average salaries in Japan. 

Enrollment skews more toward males than females, so UTokyo has been actively attempting to attract more female applicants. Special housing allowances are available for female students, and the university is dedicated to hiring more female professors and researchers

That research is at the heart of the university’s stature. UTokyo supports entrepreneurship for companies that use research originating from within the university. 

As of 2022, almost 500 UTokyo-affiliated startups have been created.

Studying in Tokyo means students are at the center of culture and activity. Historical landmarks are within walking or easy traveling distance and include temples, gardens, and natural wonders. 

Hongo campus boasts a history of attracting prominent authors, and students can take a cultural history tour that passes the homes and favorite stops of authors in this “capital of culture.” 

Many museums are nearby, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Tokyo National Museum. 

Students can enjoy the art of a different kind at Ueno Park, which explodes with beauty, from the lotus-filled Shinobazu Pond to some of the prime viewing areas for cherry blossom season. 

Back in school, students will work side-by-side with others from across the globe, becoming part of the university’s mission to “discover excellence.”


The following sources were used to create the aggregate ranking for this article

US News

Times Higher Education

CWUR

UniRank

QS Japan (2019)

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Best Basketball Summer Programs for High School Students https://collegegazette.com/best-basketball-summer-programs-for-high-school-students/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 16:08:32 +0000 https://collegegazette.com/?p=8900 Dribble, pass, shoot, score – learn how to do it, get progressively better at it, or master it. You’ll be challenged to reach your fullest potential as an athlete at the best basketball summer programs for high school students.  The great thing about attending an exceptional basketball summer program or camp is that it does […]

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Dribble, pass, shoot, score – learn how to do it, get progressively better at it, or master it. You’ll be challenged to reach your fullest potential as an athlete at the best basketball summer programs for high school students. 

The great thing about attending an exceptional basketball summer program or camp is that it does not have to take up your entire summer. Many of the best opportunities last less than a week, and many options are open to both residential and day commuter participants.

Often, the best basketball summer programs for high school students are led by former NBA basketball players or NCAA head coaches. In other instances, those figures may provide guest lectures or workshops. 

You can expect the best high school summer basketball programs to be competitive, as many families are willing to make significant sacrifices to help their child or teen achieve exposure or opportunities. 

We recommend applying early and to as many summer basketball programs as you deem compatible with your child’s goals and learning style.

Ahead, we’re sharing details about 10 of the best basketball summer programs for high school students. You’ll find exciting opportunities to grow and sharpen your basketball prowess from coast to coast.

Summer basketball program for high school students
Photo via Shutterstock.com

Nike Lady Rebels Basketball Camp (Las Vegas, NV)

UNLV Head Coach Lindy La Rocque leads the Nike Lady Rebels Basketball Girls Camp in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 2023 camp runs from June 19 to 23 from 9-3 Mondays through Thursdays and 9-12 Fridays. 

This girls’ basketball camp is designed to help athletes become more accurate and precise shooters, develop complex footwork skills, and strengthen ball-handling skills. 

The Nike Lady Rebels Basketball Camp coaches want participants to leave the experience with more confidence and mental fortitude than they had when they arrived.

The Nike Basketball Camp in Nevada is an ideal option for younger high school students, as the eligible age range is 7-14 years old. 

The Complete Skills Camp is limited to the first 150 registrants and sells out annually, with a waitlist in the thousands. 

Expect to dedicate significant time to building fundamental skills, playing and defending all five positions, strengthening basketball game acumen, and engaging with teammates. 


National Basketball Players Association Top 100 Camp (Orlando, FL)

One of the best basketball camps in the country, the NBPA Top 100 Camp has launched several hundred athletes to successful professional careers in the National Basketball Association. 

Extremely talented basketball players seeking opportunities to fully tap into their potential will gravitate to this summer program.

Each Top 100 Camper will work under the mentorship of current and former NBA players, high school coaches, and other experts in the basketball domain. This team assists the athlete in creating a customized workout regimen and maximizing training efforts.

Participants can expect to scrimmage, run practices, and engage in skill development workshops within the camp. Group discussions revolve around relevant topics like managing the pressures of recruiting, managing stress, and dressing for success.


Michigan State Men’s & Women’s Basketball Camps (East Lansing, MI)

Michigan State’s basketball teams have been standouts for at least the last several decades. Each summer, students ages 8-18 are eligible to participate in one of two camps: the BKM1 Tom Izzo Basketball Camp (coached by Michigan State Mens Basketball Head Coach Tom Izzo) or the WBB1 Basketball Skills (hosted by Womens’ Basketball Coach Suzy Merchant).

The boys’ camp runs from June 12-15 at the Jenison Fieldhouse. Coach Izzo is an excellent leader, boasting at least ten regular season Big Ten Championships, six Big Ten Tournament titles, eight Final Four appearances, eight National Coach of the Year awards, and the ranking of all-time winningest coach in program history!

The girls’ camp – running June 26-28 – will challenge athletes to hone their skills at various stations, and each participant will compete in daily contests (i.e., “Hot Shot” and “Free Throw”). 

Speakers will visit to give insight and assist in workshops, while each day has an additional theme like “crazy shorts” or “wacky hair.” Either camp strikes an outstanding balance between working hard and having fun.


Snow Valley Basketball Camp (Snow Valley, IA)

Those attending the Snow Valley Basketball Schools are ready to hustle and persevere as they work to grow their skills in the game of basketball. Coaches note having a positive attitude as one of the most critical attributes to bring to camp. 

Athletes will receive excellent instruction via an 8:1 camper-to-coach ratio in basketball’s four major building blocks: communication, comfort zone, choices, compete. During one of four weeklong sessions, campers will participate in at least 19 clinics.

Each camper will also get a t-shirt, performance report card, and personal evaluation by the end of the camp session. The three boys’ clinics run from June 26-29, July 11-14, or July 19-22 while the girls’ clinic operates from July 24-27.


Patrick Ewing Camps (Washington, D.C.)

Patrick Ewing Basketball camps occur at the historic McDonough Gymnasium in Georgetown University’s Thompson Athletic Center.

Patrick Ewing is easily one of the best basketball players in the history of the NBA and was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008. 

Additionally, Ewing has played for or coached alongside some of the best coaches in the league. Having served as the Georgetown University Head Basketball Coach since 2017, Ewing continues to lead exceptional summer basketball programming for high school students.

Participants ages 8-18 are accepted, and no high school graduates are admitted. Athletes can expect full practice and competition days, running from 9 AM to 8 PM. There are two commuter camp options and two overnight camp options: June 24-28 and July 1-5.


Point Guard College (Multiple U.S. States)

Available in most U.S. states, Point Guard College welcomes thousands of high school and collegiate athletes each summer to a world-class basketball skills camp. 

PGC is an advanced opportunity, and participants are generally recommended to attempt it after completing Playmaker College and/or Scoring College. A three-camp pass allows athletes to attend all three camps for the price of two.

Activities at Point Guard College basketball summer programs are very coordinated – this is not a camp for “dribbling around,” taking swim breaks, etc. 

Participating athletes will hear specific habits and skills discussed and explained in the classroom, watch players or film demonstrations of each habit performed, and practice applying the skills or habits in game environments.

Specific skills might include making faster decisions, becoming a more aggressive defender, or increasing your free throw shot percentage.


Carolina Basketball School (Chapel Hill, NC)

Taking place at one of the most historically successful college basketball programs in the United States, the Carolina Basketball School is open to boys ages 9-18 over two sessions: June 11-15 or June 17-21. Recent high school graduates are eligible to apply.

Classes occur at the Dean E. Smith Center, where several NCAA National Championship banners hang from the rafters. Both residential and day campers are welcome, and all participants will receive a program t-shirt and a picture with the head coach.

Upon arrival, players will be sorted into teams based on their grade and age. Each team will comprise eight to ten campers, and trades happen occasionally. 

It is up to the coach and his staff to determine any other level changes. The structure of this summer basketball program marks it ideal for athletes looking to forge enduring connections with their teammates.


Nike Boys Basketball Camp – Isidore Newman School (New Orleans, LA)

An exemplar of Nike’s many excellent basketball camps, the summer basketball program at Isidore Newman School engages athletes in honing their offensive, defensive, and team player skills alongside former NBA player Randy Livingston. 

Livingston is a New Orleans native and hometown hero, at one point named the Naismith National Player of the Year. Over three days, Coach Livingston and staff will provide instruction and feedback regarding participants’ conditioning and footwork, nutritional goals and plans, and technical basketball skills.

In addition to receiving a free camp t-shirt, each camper will also have a personal evaluation to sort them accordingly into challenging play levels. This Nike basketball camp may be considered less demanding and more focused on having fun.


Hoop Group Elite Camps (East Stroudsburg, PA)

Some of the best young basketball athletes in the nation travel to attend one of several elite basketball camps organized by Hoop Group: Elite Camp, Academic Elite, Invite-Only Elite, and Future All-American Elite. 

Elite Camp stipulates three games played daily in front of more than 100 college coaches, granting significant exposure to potential college athletes. 

These same coaches also serve as coaches or trainers in the program. Participants receive an evaluation report card, and all games are live-streamed for family members and friends to see.

The Academic Elite Camp, conversely, tailors player exposure to the country’s top academic collegiate institutions. Participating in the same three games daily, participants in this program will play in front of national media and scouting representatives. 


IMG Summer Basketball Camps (Multiple U.S. States)

Spanning most of the U.S. states, IMG Summer Basketball Camps range from one-week to three-week and even six-week programs. Participants can attend as boarding or non-boarding campers. 

At the heart of IMG Summer Basketball Camps is individualized training with professional coaches. Participants engage in two training sessions daily, multiple core strength and conditioning sessions weekly, and one mental resilience session per week. 

IMG Summer Basketball Camps are appealing because of their flexible start dates and emphasis on developing one’s mental toughness as it relates to playing basketball. IMG is highly recommended for families dedicated to helping their child reach their fullest potential.

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Best Gap Year Programs for Students After High School https://collegegazette.com/best-gap-year-programs-for-students-after-high-school/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:08:01 +0000 https://collegegazette.com/?p=8896 After many consecutive years of formal education, it is unsurprising why so many American students opt to take a gap year before committing to a career, undergraduate degree, or higher degree.  A gap year is exactly what it sounds like: a year, or extended period of time, where someone presses “pause” on a trajectory that […]

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After many consecutive years of formal education, it is unsurprising why so many American students opt to take a gap year before committing to a career, undergraduate degree, or higher degree. 

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. 

Students taking a gap year
Photo via Shutterstock.com

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.

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The Best Marine Biology Colleges in California https://collegegazette.com/best-marine-biology-colleges-in-california/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:55:31 +0000 https://collegegazette.com/?p=8892 Marine biology is a vast and fascinating subject; oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface, and 80% has yet to be explored.  Some of the most crucial and cutting-edge research in environmental science takes place in the field of marine biology, and the discipline has long been at the forefront of climate change research. It […]

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Marine biology is a vast and fascinating subject; oceans cover 71% of the Earth’s surface, and 80% has yet to be explored

Some of the most crucial and cutting-edge research in environmental science takes place in the field of marine biology, and the discipline has long been at the forefront of climate change research.

It should come as no surprise that some of the best undergraduate and graduate programs for marine biology are located in California. 

The coast of the Pacific Ocean is an ideal place to study marine life, and some of the world’s top marine science research centers are located at California universities. 

Marine biology may be housed under the umbrella of a school’s biology or environmental science department, and depending on the institution, it may be called marine science, environmental and ocean science, aquatic biology, or something else. 

So, students seeking a marine biology program should not restrict themselves to that search term; instead, they should investigate whether a particular school has a program devoted to studying the ocean, regardless of what it is called. 

To complete a marine biology major, students will usually have to complete a core set of courses in the biological sciences and may be required to take courses in chemistry, math, statistics, and physics. 

Field research is also a typical component of marine science programs, and students will have the opportunity to study some forms of marine life in their natural habitats. 

Many research universities in the field of marine biology collaborate with one another and partner with organizations and agencies where students can get hands-on experience and participate in vital research on marine life and environments and climate change, such as the Hubbs Seaworld Research Institute, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Southern California Marine Institute, and more. 

Here is a list of colleges in California with a marine biology program.


University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)

University of Southern California
EEJCC, Waite Phillips Hall, University of Southern California, CC BY-SA 4.0

Undergraduate students at the University of Southern California can earn a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Marine Biology in the Department of Biological Sciences, and the school also offers master’s and doctoral programs in marine biology.

In collaboration with the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, the USC biological sciences department holds four-week intensive courses on Santa Catalina Island at the Wrigley Marine Science Center

The Center’s Marine and Environmental Biology section is internationally recognized for its contributions to the study and conservation of marine life. 

Areas for undergraduate research include evolution and population dynamics for marine animals, living marine resources, marine microbiology, coastal water quality, marine environmental genomics, and geobiology. 

Among the USC marine science faculty, Professor David Caron investigates the fundamental and critical ecological roles of phytoplankton and protozoa in marine and freshwater environments, and at the Fuhrman Lab, Professor Jed Fuhrman researches the biodiversity of marine microbial life forms and the ways in which their interactions shape the ocean environment. 


University of California, Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA)

UC Santz Cruz
Ponderosapine210, Rachel Carson College Administration Building, CC BY-SA 4.0

The University of California, Santa Cruz, was recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the top 10 schools for excellence in undergraduate teaching. 

The school’s Marine Biology major is housed in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. 

Students are encouraged to become engaged in research early on so as to open up their educational horizons and improve their career prospects. 

Undergraduate marine biology students can choose to study abroad, including a full-semester program at the University of Queensland in Australia, which involves staying at research stations on the Great Barrier Reef and observing Brisbane-area mangrove and seagrass habitats. 

The Coastal Science Campus on the edge of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to research facilities on conservation and ecology that foster collaboration between state agencies and educational institutions. 

One such facility is the Institute of Marine Sciences, where ongoing research includes employing elephant seals for data collection to find areas of the ocean with high concentrations of marine organisms, which could help reduce damaging human interactions with ocean life.


University of California, Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)

UC Santa Barbara
Coolcaesar, UCSB University Center and Storke Tower, CC BY-SA 4.0

There are several different ways to pursue the study of marine biology as an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Barbara, each with a different focus. 

The bachelor’s degree programs include Aquatic Biology in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, Ocean Science emphasis in the Geography Department, Climate and Environment emphasis in the Earth Science Department, and the Marine Science program within the College of Creative Studies.

Students can gain hands-on experience through the school’s partnerships with the University of California Natural Reserve System, which encompasses the diverse array of California ecosystems; the Santa Barbara Coastal Long-Term Research Site, where university researchers monitor kelp beds and other marine life; and the Moorea Long-Term Ecological Research Site, where researchers study coral reefs

At UC Santa Barbara’s Marine Science Institute, ongoing research includes the value of adaptive monitoring in fisheries, phase-2 tests of a new bioplastic designed to degrade in marine environments, and the continuing impacts of an extreme undersea heat wave nicknamed “the blob.” 


University of California, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA)

Undergraduate students at the University of California, Los Angeles, can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology through the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

In addition to requiring coursework in the life sciences and marine science, the marine biology program is a capstone major, meaning that students conduct independent research and produce final projects.

The major incorporates quarter-long research programs where students observe organisms in their natural habitats. 

The field marine biology quarter is held at Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station in Moo Frecrea, French Polynesia, which is dedicated to research on sustainability and biocomplexity. 

The marine biology quarter takes place in various locations, with past sites in New Zealand, French Polynesia, Belize, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands. The ability to snorkel is critical, and scuba certification is highly recommended.

Faculty research topics in marine biology at UCLA include the formation of coasts and the evolution and diversity of coastal species, marine biodiversity hotspots and the processes that promote speciation, and the relationships between viruses and host populations. 


University of California, San Diego (San Diego, CA)

The Scripps Institute of Oceanography, a department of the University of California, San Diego, is a global research hub in the field of marine science

The Scripps Institute was a pioneer in the modern era of climate change research and continues to be at the forefront of current advancements in that area.

The international program Argo is aimed at understanding and predicting changes in the oceans and the Earth’s atmosphere. 

Argo acquires data using a fleet of robotic instruments that are released into the ocean, where they descend to pre-set depths and drift in 10-day cycles, gathering data on the water’s temperature and salinity as well as other biological and chemical factors. 

Some of the research centers within the Scripps Institute include the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, dedicated to preserving the natural world; the Scripps Center for Marine Archaeology, which investigates historical maritime societies and human interaction with the ocean; and the Scripps Polar Center, which brings together interdisciplinary teams to investigate the polar regions. 

Research internships are available for undergraduates in various departments and partner organizations, such as the Marine Physical Laboratory, the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, the NSF Center for Aerosol Impacts on Chemistry of the Environment, and more.


California State University, Long Beach (Long Beach, CA)

California State University, Long Beach, offers a bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology within the Department of Biological Sciences. 

The program includes an opportunity for a semester-long immersion program on Santa Catalina Island with the Southern California Marine Institute, with optional scuba-diving certification and motorboat operation training.

The master’s degree program in Marine Biology is heavily research-focused and prepares students to proceed to a Ph.D. or to pursue science-related careers in teaching, biological consulting, resource management agencies, and more. 

There is a wide variety of research among the faculty, but areas of particular interest include the conservation and restoration of coastal wetlands, comparative physiology, the impacts of pollution and other human activities on ocean life, and the evolution of marine fishes. 

Students may become involved in faculty research and gain hands-on experience volunteering in the Marine Lab.

In 2021, marine biology graduate students at California State University, Long Beach, assisted NOAA with sampling to determine the extent of a crude oil spill in the Huntington Beach area. 

They collected fish to test for the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which helped the agency assess the degree of contamination and direct their mitigation efforts. 


California State University, Monterey Bay (Seaside, CA)

CSU Monterey Bay
Public domain photo via Wikimedia Commons

California State University, Monterey Bay, offers a bachelor’s degree program in Marine Science that prepares students to enter careers in the public or private sectors or to continue with graduate studies. 

The school also offers a master’s degree in Marine Science through Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

CSU Monterey Bay’s extramural research funding is through the Marine Science Research program, which exists to improve understanding of the relationships between human activities and ocean ecosystems. 

Ongoing faculty projects include the California Undersea Imagery Archive, which collects still and video imagery from a variety of projects for future research; the Ocean Instrumentation Project, in which students are involved in developing low-cost instruments for student projects; and the NSF Geo-Futures Program, which provides educational resources in the sciences and mentoring for students from underrepresented groups.  

Student internships and other hands-on learning opportunities are available through the Undergraduate Research Center, which offers research mentorship for undergraduates, and the Science Internship Program, a resource for internships on and off campus. 

The Science Internship Blog features students describing their learning experiences, such as teaching educators to use data-gathering and visualization tools at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute; recording air and water temperatures while observing marine animal life in Monterey Bay; and conducting guided tours through Elkhorn Slough.


University of San Diego (San Diego, CA)

For undergraduates, the Environmental and Ocean Sciences major at the University of San Diego emphasizes both scientific rigor and ethical judgment and offers several educational pathways: environmental science (B.S. or B.A.), environmental studies (B.A.), and marine ecology (B.S.). 

The University of San Diego partners with the Ocean Discovery Institute, which provides learning opportunities in the sciences for traditionally underserved young people. 

Current graduate students in environmental and ocean sciences are conducting ongoing research on the impact of ocean acidification on marine snow, long-term changes in wetlands vegetation, factors affecting the health of Loggerhead turtles, oceanic microplastics concentrations, and more. 

The proximity of the ocean means students may be treated to unexpected natural phenomena; in 2020, the campus witnessed a stunning bioluminescent algae bloom that made the ocean’s waves glow neon blue at night.

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College of William & Mary Early Decision Acceptance Rate https://collegegazette.com/college-of-william-mary-early-decision-acceptance-rate/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:42:43 +0000 https://collegegazette.com/?p=8887 A prestigious public research university, the College of William & Mary is the second-oldest higher education college in the US.  The College of William & Mary is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, known for its business administration, political science, and psychology programs.  Additionally, it produced three U.S. Presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler.  In […]

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A prestigious public research university, the College of William & Mary is the second-oldest higher education college in the US. 

The College of William & Mary is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, known for its business administration, political science, and psychology programs. 

Additionally, it produced three U.S. Presidents: Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and John Tyler. 

In 2022, William & Mary was named the #15 in Forbes’ Top Public University and #41 in Forbes’ Top Colleges. Furthermore, the Princeton Review recognized it as the best public school in the nation for internships, #8 in best science lab facilities, and #9 in happiest student body.

Due to its rigorous academics and highly selective admissions process, William & Mary is widely regarded as one of the “Public Ivies.” 

To gain entrance to this college, it’s important to have a competitive GPA, SAT/ACT score, and class rank. 

In 2021, 86.29% of admitted students graduated with 4.0 GPA. 

The middle 50% of SAT/ACT were 1380-1520 and 32-34, respectively. Moreover, 77% of the admitted class in 2021 graduated in the top ten percent of their class. 

To maximize the opportunity to be admitted at William & Mary, students may find it advantageous to apply early. Let’s explore why!


William & Mary Early Decision Acceptance Rate

College of William and Mary Alumni House
Pbritti, Alumni House at the College of William and Mary, 2020, CC BY-SA 4.0

The College of William & Mary early decision acceptance rate is 49%, which makes entry reasonably competitive. 

The average acceptance rate for colleges and universities in the United States hovers around 70.1%, meaning that the College of William & Mary has an above-average competition level. 

For the class of 2026, there were 18,087 total applicants. Of these applicants, approximately 1,247 applied early decision. Forty-two percent of successful candidates were in-state students, while the out-of-state admission rate was close to 28%.

The early decision acceptance rate has remained fairly steady in recent years. In previous years, the early decision admission rate was closer to 49% as well. 

If William & Mary is a top choice for applicants, it is advisable to apply in one of the early decision rounds. Applicants have a significantly high chance of being admitted during the early decision rounds, since the regular decision rate is only 33%. 


William & Mary Early Decision Application Deadline

The College of William & Mary offers two early decision cycles: Early Decision I and Early Decision II. 

The deadline for Early Decision 1 is November 1. For Early Decision II, applicants must complete and submit application materials by January 9

Applicants will be notified of an update to their applications via email. To check this status, William & Mary applicants will be routed to their applicant account. 

Students will be met with one of three decision outcomes: Accepted, Rejected, or Deferred. 

Deferred students will then be shuffled to the regular decision pool, where they will subsequently be accepted or rejected. 

If accepted during one of the Early Decision rounds, students are contractually obligated to attend William & Mary the following fall. 

Because of this, students wishing to defer enrollment are advised to only apply through the binding early decision process. 


William & Mary ED Decision Date

The College of William & Mary ED decision date occurs in two separate rounds. 

Early Decision I applicants are expected to hear back sometime in early December, while Early Decision II applicants will be notified in early February.

William & Mary only accepts students through the Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision rounds.

 If accepted in the Early Decision rounds, applicants must confirm their enrollment at William & Mary by making a non-refundable deposit within two weeks of receiving an acceptance letter. Additionally, students must withdraw outstanding applications at other universities. 


Should You Apply to the College of William & Mary for Early Decision?

If students feel passionate about attending William and Mary, then it is highly encouraged for them to apply early to maximize their chances at being accepted. 

Furthermore, since the Early Decision programs are binding, it is important that students are ready to commit to the College of William & Mary if accepted. 

Given the two rounds of Early Decision, interested applicants have ample time to put together a stellar application. 

Overall, if students are seeking to attend a preeminent public school, the College of William & Mary can be a great fit. 

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The Best Journalism Schools in New York https://collegegazette.com/best-journalism-schools-in-new-york/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:31:06 +0000 https://collegegazette.com/?p=8882 Journalism is crucial to a healthy democracy and an informed society.  In a letter to a delegate to the Continental Congress in the late 1780s, Thomas Jefferson famously wrote that, if forced to choose between “a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”  Although […]

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Journalism is crucial to a healthy democracy and an informed society. 

In a letter to a delegate to the Continental Congress in the late 1780s, Thomas Jefferson famously wrote that, if forced to choose between “a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” 

Although journalism is not a field that requires a professional license, it is a position of public trust, and those who practice it need practical skills as well as a grounding in the field’s professional ethics; completing a formal degree program in journalism is one of the best ways to acquire both. 

Most schools that teach journalism provide a combination of theory and practice; students learn about the history of journalism and its role in the culture while developing crucial skills such as meeting deadlines, drafting articles, interviewing subjects, and thinking critically about sources and information. 

Many faculty members are current or former reporters who can provide professional guidance as well as academic instruction. 

Most journalism schools offer undergraduate and graduate degrees and provide education in many of the forms of journalism that exist today, including traditional print and broadcast journalism, digital multimedia outlets, and interactive and social media. 

Journalism students work in student-run media on campus in addition to taking on internships and networking opportunities in the local media market, which, in New York, includes some of the most prominent news organizations in the world. 

These hands-on experiences enable students to graduate with a portfolio of work that will help them take the next step in their careers.

Here are 10 of the best colleges in New York with a journalism program. 


Syracuse University SI Newhouse School of Public Communications (Syracuse, NY)

Syracuse University Newhouse School
DASonnenfeld, Newhouse-School-Syracuse-Univ-2014, CC BY-SA 4.0

Syracuse University SI Newhouse School of Public Communications is considered one of the preeminent schools of journalism nationally by the Pulitzer Center Campus Consortium

Newhouse seeks to train future communications professionals for the constantly evolving media field and offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

The school’s student-run media include digital and print publications, including magazines focused on baking and fashion and a daily newspaper, and broadcast television studios producing news, sports, music, and other entertainment. 

The NewsHouse, Newhouse’s digital outlet, which incorporates video and written reporting, photography, social media, and interactive elements, was judged the best independent online website among large schools by the Society of Professional Journalists. 

Recently, six Newhouse students embarked on a paid internship with PBS “Frontline,” working on Oscar Guerra’s documentary “After Zero Tolerance.” 

The students conducted research and translation and assisted with filming and post-production, and several served as field producers, traveling with the PBS crew to Louisville, KY, to interview the family whose story is at the heart of the documentary.  


Fordham University (New York, NY)

Fordham University’s Journalism major falls within the Department of Communication and Media Studies and offers an optional minor in sports journalism that devotes attention to newsworthy events on and off the field. 

The journalism program’s aim is to train students to serve the public interest in a shifting media environment. 

The journalism faculty is drawn from a mix of full-time professors and working media professionals from the New York area, meaning that students are exposed to the up-to-the-minute industry standards and expectations in one of the world’s leading media markets. 

In addition to pragmatic skills, students gain a foundation in journalistic ethics and the social construction of journalism through required coursework.

Journalism students must spend at least one semester working at one of Fordham’s on-campus media organizations, including the National Public Radio affiliate WFUV, news publications The Fordham Ram and The Observer, and student-run alternative journal the paper.


Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism (New York, NY)

Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
Public domain photo by Columbex via Wikimedia Commons

The Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism was founded in 1912 by Joseph Pulitzer, who also established the prestigious Pulitzer Prize, which is awarded for outstanding achievements in journalism, literature, and music.  

In addition to its doctoral program, Columbia offers Master of Science degrees in specialties including data journalism, investigative journalism, and documentary, and Master of Arts degrees for professional journalists who are already working in the field and wish to deepen their understanding of a particular subject area, such as science, economics, arts and culture, or politics. 

The internationally recognized Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma is a project of Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism and serves as a resource for a global network of journalists reporting on conflict and other traumatic events. 


New York University Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute (New York, NY)

Undergraduates at New York University Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute select one of two tracks: the print/online track for those interested primarily in writing for digital and print media and the broadcast track for students mainly interested in broadcast reporting and video production.  

All undergraduate journalism students are required to complete a dual degree and use their journalistic training to explore their chosen second major. 

In addition to strengthening both sets of skills with an interdisciplinary approach, students graduate with the subject-matter expertise to credibly and critically report on an area of personal interest.

The online platform CooperSquared highlights undergraduate reporting. Recent pieces have focused on the power of college journalism, the new business of baseball in Venezuela, and Afro-Costa Ricans’ history of inequality

Graduate students in journalism at NYU learn to adapt to evolving industry demands and choose from a number of areas of focus, including business and economic reporting, cultural reporting and criticism, global and joint program studies, podcasting and audio reportage, and science, health, and environmental reporting. 


Ithaca College Roy H. Park School of Communications (Ithaca, NY)

Ithaca College Park School of Communications, Ithaca College
Kenneth C. Zirkel, Park School of Communications, Ithaca College, CC BY-SA 4.0

The journalism program at Ithaca College is housed in the Roy H. Park School of Communications

The school teaches news-gathering and reporting skills across all types of platforms and provides insight into independent and entrepreneurial journalism as well as traditional media.

As soon as students arrive, they can start working for on-campus outlets, which include community news publication The Ithacan, public affairs and entertainment television production organization ICTV, non-commercial radio station WICB, and many more. 

Ithaca College students also regularly work with industry news outlets; student coverage of nationally significant events has included the 2020 U.S. election with CNN and NPR, the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington with NBC Nightly News and PBS Newshour Online, the 2018 March for Our Lives with NBC and MSNBC. 

For several years, students have joined NBC to cover the summer and winter Olympics.


Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY)

Stony Brook University is the only SUNY school with an accredited journalism degree program (SUNY Buffalo’s excellent journalism program is an interdisciplinary certification). 

The program, which leads to a Bachelor of the Arts degree, is centered on digital reporting but grounds its teachings in the role of journalism in a democratic society. 

Internships and other forms of hands-on training are encouraged, and the Internship Memoirs section of the SB J-Drive website catalogs student experiences like embracing the newsroom chaos, finding one’s calling in public relations, and learning to love broadcast radio

Graduating seniors are encouraged to apply for the Colvin Center Wall Street Journal Fellowship, where students can gain 10 weeks of experience in international reporting. 

Student-run media at Stony Brook include The Statesman, a student newspaper since 1957, and campus magazine The Stony Brook Press

Students can gain broadcast experience at WUSB, Long Island’s biggest non-commercial radio station, which is operated by student volunteers who are supervised by an FCC-licensed engineer. 


SUNY Buffalo (Buffalo, NY)

Undergraduate students at SUNY Buffalo can pursue the interdisciplinary Journalism Certificate Program, which combines coursework in the English, Media Study, and Communication departments. 

Students study the various forms of journalism, including digital and broadcast media, documentary, social media, and literary journalism, as well as professional reporting practices and journalistic ethics.

Many of the instructors in the Journalism Certificate Program are working journalists, and students are taught practical skills, such as tracking down reliable information, conducting interviews, and meeting deadlines. The school is also home to New York State’s largest student-run undergraduate paper, The Spectrum

SUNY Buffalo also offers a certificate in professional writing and digital communication, which teaches skills in technical communication, media theory and curation, rhetoric, and digital media in education.

Notable SUNY Buffalo alumni include Emmy Award-winning CNN host Wolf Blitzer, Peabody Award-winning NPR reporter Terry Gross, Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated cartoonist Tom Toles, and many more. 


Pace University (New York, NY)

Students at Pace University can study journalism in the Department of Media Communications and Visual Arts

Related degree programs include a B.A. in Communications, a B.S. in digital cinema and filmmaking, and a B.S. in digital journalism, and students can choose to minor in sports media and broadcasting. 

Students in the Department of Media Communications and Visual Arts must complete three internship credits. Recent internship placements have included WABC-TV Eyewitness News, The CBS Early Show, Cosmopolitan magazine, NBC and NBC Sports, and many more.

Among the student-run media outlets at Pace are the newspapers The Pace Press and The Pace Chronicle, which has won awards from the New York Press Association and the American Scholastic Press Association, and radio stations WPUB and WPAW.

Students have produced award-winning documentaries on subjects including the environmental threats to bees, the 2018 Kīlauea eruption, and the people of Puerto Rico responding to the devastation of Hurricane Maria.


Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, NY)

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science in Journalism at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and the School of Communication offers a new one-year master’s degree program. 

Undergraduate journalism students can pursue a dual degree, and students outside the major can choose a journalism immersion.

A key feature of RIT is cooperative education; RIT was ranked #11 in 2023 by U.S. News & World Report in co-op and internship programs. 

Recently, students have participated in co-ops at National Geographic, Gannett, and The Hill, and RIT’s partnerships include over 240 employers in the field of journalism. 

A primary student outlet is Reporter Magazine, a multimedia publication with digital and print reporting, a YouTube channel, and an audio podcast

The mission of the Revisiting the Rochester Narrative fellowship is to reimagine the stories told about BIPOC communities in Rochester; RIT fellows spent the summer with the Democrat and Chronicle, a local Rochester paper, and set out to tell new stories and include those who have been left out of the city’s narrative.  


Hofstra University (Hempstead, NY)

Hofstra University’s Department of Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations emphasizes multimedia storytelling and building a diverse professional skill set. 

The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism and public relations, and journalism students may take on an optional specialization in sports journalism. 

Student publications include The Hofstra Chronicle and WRHU Radio Hofstra, where students train using industry-standard equipment and broadcast original content, including news, talk radio, music, sports, and more. 

WRHU partners with the Society of Broadcast Engineers and WABC TV Eyewitness News, providing students with professional guidance.

Hofstra journalism students are expected to complete internships where they can learn from and make meaningful connections with industry professionals. 

Capstone projects by Master of Arts students in recent years have included examinations of the future of print journalism, the influence of political memes in the era of social media, and the fight for democracy in Belarus. 

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The 10 Best Business Schools in Europe https://collegegazette.com/best-business-schools-in-europe/ Wed, 15 Mar 2023 14:06:03 +0000 https://collegegazette.com/?p=8870 Lying among Europe’s myriad cultural treasures are world-class business institutions. From Barcelona to Lausanne to London, Europe offers an array of business schools that fit a diverse crop of students.  Whether students are hoping to learn from prominent professors at Oxford’s Saïd Business School or expand their networking circles at the INSEAD Business School, business […]

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Lying among Europe’s myriad cultural treasures are world-class business institutions. From Barcelona to Lausanne to London, Europe offers an array of business schools that fit a diverse crop of students. 

Whether students are hoping to learn from prominent professors at Oxford’s Saïd Business School or expand their networking circles at the INSEAD Business School, business schools across Europe provide a wealth of opportunities for each type of student. 

Each school in this list is ranked according to where it appears in the Bloomberg list of European B-school rankings. In Bloomberg’s table, each of the following listed business schools have been ranked with four criteria in mind: compensation, learning, networking, and entrepreneurship. 

As such, each school has performed outstandingly in these categories, making them the best fit for aspiring MBA students. IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, tops the list, with many graduates citing the school’s strong leadership opportunities, small class sizes, inclusive environment, and unparalleled reputation. 

Last, but certainly not least, on the list is Esade Barcelona, which boasts stellar post-graduate job placements and strong cultural diversity. 

Keep reading this article to learn more about the vast offerings of Europe’s top business schools and why these schools outpace Europe’s nearly 100 other business schools. 


10. Esade Barcelona Pedralbes Campus (Barcelona, ES)

Esade Barcelona Pedralbes
Public domain photo via Wikimedia Commons

Located in the idyllic residential outskirts of Barcelona, Esade Pedralbes offers a host of business programs to students, including an Executive MBA, an MSC in Digital Business or Business Analytics, and Executive Master in Management-Technology. 

With a motto of “Do Good, Do Better,” Esade Pedralbes encourages its students to use their business acumen to be agents of change within the world. In fact, the Esade Business School was recognized by the Business School Impact System (BSIS) for its ability to enact social impact and innovation within the business sector.  

Recently, the Esade Pedralbes Business School was named #1 MBA program in Europe and #3 in the world for entrepreneurs by the Poets & Quants magazine. This accolade is fitting for the school, since it has helped more than 2,000 students jumpstart their start-ups. 


9. Oxford University Saïd Business School (London, EN)

When reflecting on the strengths of the Saïd Business School, many graduates praise the school’s extensive alumni network. With prominent alumni sprinkled across the fields of politics, media, entertainment, academia, and more, it seems as if each industry is guaranteed to have a Saïd graduate at its forefront. 

Aside from a sprawling alumni network, Saïd Business School also grants students access to some of the world’s most cutting-edge professors, many of whom are ranked on Poets and Quants’ annual “Best 40 Under 40 Professors” list. 

Saïd is also known for its remarkable “Economics and Management” and “Financial Economics” programs, both of which are ranked #1 in the world. 

Though oozing with prestige and opportunity, current students report that their favorite aspects of the school include its diversity and fun social events.  


8. University of Cambridge Judge Business School (Cambridge, EN)

University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School touts the following motto: “In the business of transformation — of individuals, of organisations and society.” As such, many Judge Business School alumni report how transformative their time was at the school. 

Though a fairly new institution (it’s only been around for about 30 years!), Judge Business School has rapidly climbed the ranks and now offers a spate of masters programmes, all of which reside in the global top 20. 

In 2021, 73% percent of Judge Business school programs were named “world-leading,” while a further 21% percent were considered “internationally excellent,” according to the institution’s website. 

A research-oriented institution, the Judge Business School has a smattering of research opportunities available to students and encourages student-faculty collaboration. 

Furthermore, with a student body that hails from around the world, Judge students are competent in navigating both cultural and intellectual diversity. 

All these aspects of Judge are what makes the student experience there so “transformative.”


7. Mannheim Business School (Mannheim, DE)

Mannheim Business School
Carina Erhard, SCC Aussenansicht, CC BY-SA 4.0

Standing out from the rest of the list, the Mannheim Business School prides itself on its strong embrace of corporate practice. 

Because of this, the Mannheim Business School has forged connections with some of the world’s top companies and corporate firms, such as Accenture, Bain & Company, Bank of America, LVMH Moët Hennessy, Samsung, and others. 

Students at Mannheim have the unique opportunity to attend lectures, workshops, and networking events dedicated to helping them build rapport with their future employers. 

Additionally, Mannheim directly connects students with leading figures in the corporate world to further solidify their understanding of real-world business operations. 

In 2021, Mannheim was rated the #1 Business School in Germany for “Accounting and Finance,” “Business and Management,” and “Economics and Econometrics.” 

Globally, Mannheim has an impressive reputation as well, ranking #2 for quality of learning by Bloomberg


6. University of St. Gallen (St. Gallen, CH)

University of St. Gallen
Public domain photo via Wikimedia Commons

The University of St. Gallen’s is not your typical business school. 

For starters, hands-on business experience is integrated into the curriculum at the University of St. Gallen’s Business School. 

Operating under a unique structure, University of St. Gallen contains 29 research institutes that are each run as businesses. 

Because of this, business students have the invaluable opportunity to work within these research institutes to learn the minutiae of real-world business operations. 

Secondly, the University of St. Gallen prioritizes an interdisciplinary education. Students here aren’t just learning about supply and demand and gross domestic product—they’re expected to take classes in sociology, history, psychology, business ethics, and more. 

Given their expansive academic experience, many alumni leave University of St. Gallen prepared to take on the social, economic, and cultural challenges of the business world. 


5. SDA Bocconi School of Management (Milan, IT)

SDA Bocconi School of Management is both a crown jewel of Italy and of the world’s business schools. 

The SDA Bocconi School offers uniquely flexible programs, fitting nicely with its motto of being “designed for your world.” Unlike many other business schools, the SDA Bocconi School allows students—if they so wish—to design their own curriculum. This curricular malleability aligns with the school’s values of “independence,” “imagination,” “critical thinking,” and so forth. 

Housed in one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan, the SDA Bocconi School offers a specialized track in Luxury Business Management. This gives students the opportunity to work with lofty brands under the lux-LVMH conglomerate, such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., and more.


4. London Business School (London, EN)

London Business School
Sylla24, LBS campus 2, CC BY-SA 4.0

Posh and cosmopolitan, the London Business School draws nearly 93% of its students from abroad. Moreover, each student is expected to show proficiency in a language other than English by graduation.

 With this in mind, London Business School truly cultivates future businessmen and women that can thrive in any cultural circumstance. Additionally, current students cite the school’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths.  

Boasting some of the world’s most “employable” graduates, the London Business School reported in 2023 that 94% of alumni begin work within three months of graduation. London Business School alumni also report having substantial careers post-graduation, which comes at no surprise considering the school boasts H&M heir Karl-Johan Persson and former Vodafone chairman Kumar Birla as alumni. 

Overall, at the London Business School, students get to learn and engage with business principles while being conveniently close to London, one of the world’s largest business capitals. 


3. IESE Business School (Barcelona, ES)

The IESE Business School has an impressive résumé: it has consistently been ranked as the #1 MBA program in Europe and #10 MBA in the world (The Economist). 

This approbation is well deserved, given the top-notch education and opportunity offered at the school. 

Each student at IESE can tailor their MBA curriculum to their liking, choosing from one of the following four tracks: international business, finance, data analytics and digital business, or entrepreneurship and innovation. 

As first-year students, MBA candidates also are expected to complete a corporate, entrepreneurial, or social internship to gain hands-on experience.  

Deviating from other business schools, IESE places a strong emphasis on ethics and bilingual immersion, distinguishing it from its peer institutions. 

Furthermore, IESE stands out from other European business schools, given its unique ties to Harvard University. IESE was formed in alliance with Harvard Business School in 1963, making it the first two-year MBA program in Europe. 


2. INSEAD (Fontainebleau, FR)

Known as the “Business School of the World,” INSEAD lives up to the moniker. 

With campuses in France, the Middle East, San Francisco, and Singapore, INSEAD is truly a world-renowned institution. 

Nestled in the Fontainebleau forest, the French outpost of INSEAD follows suit of being the “Business School of the World” by welcoming students from every continent and representing roughly 94 different nationalities. 

INSEAD has a strong relationship with premier American business schools, such as the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business, and Johns Hopkins’ Carey Business School. 

Post-graduate prospects are bright for INSEAD students. The company sends more alumni than any other European business school to prestigious companies, including McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, Amazon, and Boston Consulting Group. 


1. IMD Business School (Lausanne, CH)

If students are applying to IMD Business School, they’ll need more than just a GMAT score and a personal essay. 

Widely regarded as the best business school in Europe, IMD requires applicants to have at least three years of work experience and be able to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English. 

Referenced as “the experts in executive education” by the Financial Times, IMD Business School trains students to be trenchant problem solvers, adaptable leaders, and highly impactful changemakers. As such, IMD Business School is the only European business school ranked in the top ten global rankings. 

Prominent alumni of IMD Business School include former Nestle CEO Paul Bulcke, Prime Minister of The Netherlands Mark Rutte, McKinsey & Co chairman Michael Patsalos-Fox, former T-Mobile USA CEO Philipp Humm, among many others. 

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