-- Posted by dreamweaver at 10:59 pm on Dec. 27, 2006 The Official LiveWire College Guide This guide covers US, Britain, and Scotland schools at the moment. Hopefully these questions and answers will provide some help towards your next step out in the "real" world. If you would like to contribute, feel free to message me. Colleges in the United States What are my chances into getting into an ivy league school? I have studied this one and have found out that even if you had perfect scores in ACT/SATs and a perfect 4.0, that you could even be turned down from them.  It's all about the extracurriculars and volunteer work. Since there's a huge boom in students wanting to go to college at the moment, they are looking at other means of determining a good prospect. What's the difference between a college and a university? University has colleges within it and colleges are specialized in certain subjects.  For example, College of Arts or College of Linquistics. Universities also have research facilities and labs, and usually also has a graduate studies program.  Colleges are just smaller than a university. Which should I take; the ACT or SAT? What are the differences? As they are both standardized tests and most schools don't really care which you take, as long as it's one of them, they are rather important towards scholarships and such towards your education.  They are what determine how you get into a university and if a university will accept you.  SAT is mainly for scholarships, while ACT is for scholarships and most states actually require it before going into college. If you are not sure which to take, make sure to check with your guidance counselor and with any of the schools you're interested with.   Here's a couple resources to check out; ACT.org ETS.org The College Board What is FAFSA and how does it help me with college? That's easy. It helps with your financial needs for college.  In other words, they give you money to help you out.  What it is, is a questionnaire that involves your parent's and your income to help the government determine how much to give you.  They may not give you a lot or they may give you a lot.  That all determines on your income and when you send it in.  The sooner, the better!! Make sure you get the RIGHT site for FAFSA also.  Most people get confused where to look.  This is the right one; http://www.FAFSA.ed.gov   What is the best college for me? I suggest that you tour as many colleges as you are able to and then decide on the one that you felt most comfortable at and is the most interesting to you.  I know not many people are able to tour very many schools, but try to do it.  Otherwise, you will have to determine the best school for you differently.  If you still are not sure, make a list of what you are looking for in the best school for you.  How far are you willing to travel?  Do you want to live on your own or with your parents?  Do you have a car?  What kind of atmosphere do you like?  And many more...  The best resource to check is the Princeton Review for everything, from Best Party Schools to Most Politically Active. Also check with your school guidance counselor to help you with choosing the best one. My grades are horrible!  How will that affect my chances of getting into college? Ok, first off; breathe!  Most schools look at your senior year and whether or not you have improved or not.  If you have improved, than you still have a chance.  Just work on your SAT/ACT, recommendation letters, and your essay.  The better those are, the better your chances are.  Also, if you have done extracurricular activities in high school, that's even better for your chances.  If you have not done any extracurricular activities, then try other means.  For example, girl scouts/boy scouts, volunteer work of any kind, accomplishments/awards, etc.  So try your best not to get "senioritis" and get antsy your senior year!  I know it's hard to focus with graduation right around the quarter and all, but don't let it hurt your grades.  That's the year that colleges look at the most as they know that's what happens to students. I have no clue what to major in!  Do I need to make a decision on what I should major in NOW? Of course not!  Most students don't even know what to major in until the middle of their sophomore year.  Your first year in college mainly consists of the basic classes that all students must take.  That would be your English and math, and most schools have a list of certain types you must take before continuing on to classes towards your major.  My school, Ohio University has a system called Tiers; the first tier is English and math, second tier is 7 classes out of 7 categories of pre-selected classes you can choose from (art, science, lab, etc), and then your third there is the classes for your major.  Not many schools are like that but rather similar. Pretty much, you have your first year in college to decide what to major in.  Use it to explore different types of classes and what you're interested in. You want to get into something you know you will enjoy.  Making money shouldn't be your first priority!  May make you a ton of money, but if you're not happy, it's not worth it to half do the job because you're not "into it."   Ask your high school counselor or college advisor to take a career aptitude test to help you.  This test will help you decide what career would be best for you from your interests and attitude.   I found a site that will give me a list of scholarships/help, but I have to pay a subscription fee for it.  Is it worth it? NO!  There are plenty of ways to get that info without paying for it.  Those sites are just wanting your money and are pretty much a scam. Sites, such as FastWeb, are excellent and reliable, and not to mention a FREE resource for scholarships and grants. Also, don't forget to check with your counselor about local scholarships and such.  Ask everyone about  scholarships; parents, friends, boss, local businesses, etc! Colleges in Britain by theatreminelli How and When do I apply to University? You start applying to University in the 2nd year of college or 6th form. You start applying in September and the deadlines for applications are October 15th for all Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) applicants and those applying for Medcine and Dentistry. For all other applicants the deadline is January 15th. You can apply after this deadline however Universities do not have to consider your application. You apply to University through UCAS. The website is http://www.ucas.com. This website will also help you find which Universities do the course you wish to study and have information about funding on it. However before applying consult your school or college as they will be a big part of the application process helping you with you personal statement and references. What is a personal statement? Your personal statement goes with your application on UCAS. It is basically a piece which must not be any more than 47 lines whereby you say why you are suitable for the course you are applying for. It must include why you chose the ALEVEL subject you did, any extra curricular activities, how active you have been within your school or college and any other skills or hobbies you have. 47 words doesn't seem a lot but don't worry if you can't fit in everything you have to say about yourself you can normally ask your reference writer (normally a teacher from you school or college) to put it into your reference. What Grades do I need to get into an University? This will vary widely from University to University and depends on the popularity of the course you wish to study. Usually you will have to have at least 3 completed ALEVELS ranging from grade A-C. However many of the metropolitan and old polytechnic Universities only ask fro 2 ALEVELS. You should really consult each individual University. They normally have the grade requirements for each course on their website which can be found again on http://www.ucas.com. Which are the best Universities in the UK? Cambridge and Oxford are considered the best but it really does depend on which course you want to do. The Times newspapers Good University Guide had league tables of the best Universities overall but also subject tables which list the best Universities for individual subjects. Colleges in Scotland by amiee How does Summer School work? If you are accepted into a Scottish University on a Conditional Offer (meaning you have to obtain certain grades in your 6th year exams) you may be advised to go to Summer School as part of the condition. Some Universities run their own Summer Schools (St. Andrews, for example) and these usually last for a couple of weeks. These are designed to get you used to life at University, and if you haven't met all the grade requirements, it'll give you extra practice. Some Edinburgh schools are involved in the LEAPS summer school programme. http://www.leapsonline.org/   If you attend a state school in Edinburgh, your school may wish to involve you in the LEAPS programme. The idea is to help those whose education may have been affected by social, cultural or economic difficulties gain access into University. Universities you apply to will be informed that you're a LEAPS student and the those based in Edinburgh may ask that you attend the LEAPS Summer School. This is an 8 week programme and its aims are to help you adjust to life and work as a student. If you do attend a state school in Edinburgh, your school may inform you of this. It may all sound a bit confusing, but don't panic! If you are a LEAPS student and your school are involved in the programme, they will inform you and the necessary procedures will take place. How and When do I apply to University? You'll start applying to University in your 6th year of High School, or in College (if you decide to leave in 4th or 5th year). As with England, you can start applying in September and have until 15th January, unless you're applying to Oxford, Cambridge, Dentistry or Medicine, to submit your application. Similarly to England, you apply through UCAS. If there are any other courses which need to be applied for early, details will be on the UCAS website - so be sure to check it out! What Grades do I need to get into University? It depends entirely on each University. However, you usually need at least four Highers, from grades A to C (if you get a D in any Higher this will be considered, but a D isn't much a recognized grade). Intermediate 2s and Advanced Highers and looked at and considered, but it's the Higher exam results that the Universities are really looking for. For example, you you have 4 Intermediate 2s and no Highers, you'll more than likely not be accepted into University. If, in your 5th year, you only get one or two Higher results, don't worry! You can still apply to University and provide them with the grades you are expected to receive in your 6th year. For example, if you receive and AAB in 5th year, and want to study a course that requires AABB - you can still apply and be accepted. How Do I Know If I Get Into University? You will be informed through UCAS. It depends on each University, but they all usually get back to you before the end of March. You have until May to make your final decision on where you want to go. The UCAS track service means that you can follow your application along the way! As soon as you receive an offer from University, you will be sent an email and will have to log into UCAS track with your own personal username and password. There are 4 different decisions a University can make: 1) Unconditional Offer. This means that you have been accepted into your chosen University and they are happy to have you start in September. 2) Conditional Offer. This means that you have not met all the entry requirements. The University will give you certain conditions (for example, a B in English or a C in Physics). Providing you met these requirements and achieve the grades in your final exams, you will be accepted into the course. If you are a LEAPS student, you may be required to attend summer school. 3) Unsuccessful Application. This means that your application has not been accepted and the University has decided not to accept you into their course. 4) Withdrawn Application. You application may be withdrawn if you do not attend an interview after having been asked to do so, or you may withdraw it yourself at any time. *These decisions are the same for both Scottish and English Universities. How Much Will It Cost For Me To Go To University? If you're a Scottish student studying in Scotland, your tuition fees are paid for you. The Student Awards Agency for Scotland will pay providing you apply before you start your chosen University course. [url]http://www.student-support-saas.gov.uk/. The things you'll need to worry about are accommodation, food, books, social life, general things for every day living. You can apply for bursaries and grants though, and it may help to get a part time job. Grants and Student Loan amounts will depend on you, and your parents', financial situation. You apply through SAAS. If you do decide to get a student loan, you don't have to start paying it back until you're in a secure job earning over £15,000 a year, and there is very little interest on the loans. If you're a Scottish student studying outside of Scotland, SAAS may not pay the full tuition fees and you'll have to contribute a great deal more (you can still apply for assistance and your situation will be assessed). Each amount will vary depending on the University, but the UCAS website will provide you with the information you need. If you see something that you would like to question or even to add to this, just message me, dreamweaver and I will be glad to help you out with it.   -- Posted by cammie at 11:01 pm on Dec. 27, 2006 the first one is especially true. even if you have all the extracurriculars you can't bet it on it. -- Posted by ranman at 11:01 pm on Dec. 27, 2006 Dude! thanks so much this is some incredibly helpful information... +++ Rep for dreamweaver! -- Posted by shot1o1 at 11:01 pm on Dec. 27, 2006 so would i have to pick a major upon entering the school? -- Posted by snowfish at 11:02 pm on Dec. 27, 2006 What are my chances into getting into an ivy league school? I have studied this one and have found out that even if you had perfect scores in ACT/SATs and a perfect 4.0, that you could even be turned down from them.  It’s all about the extracurriculars and volunteer work. Since there’s a huge boom in students wanting to go to college at the moment, they are looking at other means of determining a good prospect. the boom is ending this year (or was it last?) according to my info. And remember, race and geographic location play a HUGE role in getting into exclusive colleges. -- Posted by cammie at 11:05 pm on Dec. 27, 2006 Quote: from snowfish at 2:02 am on Dec. 28, 2006 What are my chances into getting into an ivy league school? I have studied this one and have found out that even if you had perfect scores in ACT/SATs and a perfect 4.0, that you could even be turned down from them.  It’s all about the extracurriculars and volunteer work. Since there’s a huge boom in students wanting to go to college at the moment, they are looking at other means of determining a good prospect. its really not fair. but i guess it never is. the boom is ending this year (or was it last?) according to my info. And remember, race and geographic location play a HUGE role in getting into exclusive colleges. -- Posted by SimplisticComplexity at 11:09 pm on Dec. 27, 2006 Thanks, that's some good information.  I go to a university and even I learned some things from that.  By the way, you might want to fix the link for Fastweb. -- Posted by evey123 at 11:19 pm on Dec. 27, 2006 thanks for that..thats good to know. -- Posted by dreamweaver at 1:12 pm on Dec. 30, 2006 University for Britain students just added. -- Posted by NYGirl1113 at 5:56 pm on Dec. 30, 2006 Quote: from shot1o1 at 2:01 am on Dec. 28, 2006 so would i have to pick a major upon entering the school? For some schools you, some schools you don't.  You'll know when you're filling out the application since some schools will ask for a major and not allow you to say "undecided". One thing though with the difference between college and university, many colleges do have really great research facillities and labs.  The only real difference between a university and a college is that a university has a grad program and a college doesn't.  Yes, sometimes universities are split up into "colleges" but this isn't the same as, say, a liberal arts college.  I go to Bard (a liberal arts college) where I am studying film and we have one of the best resource facillities for it in the country. -- Posted by dreamweaver at 8:16 am on Jan. 10, 2007 If you live outside of the US or Britain and you want info on schools in your country or want to add to these, please PM me and I'll try my best to help out. -- Posted by dreamweaver at 5:12 am on Mar. 9, 2007 I hate doing this, but I'm going to bump due to the reason that many high schoolers and such are going through this process right now (I admit, I'm a tad late...). -- Posted by TheatreMinelli at 12:00 pm on Mar. 12, 2007 How can we make this topic a sticky? -- Posted by dreamweaver at 10:23 am on Mar. 15, 2007 Scotland Schools Added!! *Sorry about the links being screwed up.  Seems there's a glitch in LW's tags and posting. -- Posted by ploplop at 3:46 am on Nov. 14, 2007 i need toi apply somewhere foir next year -- Posted by Chocolate Thunda at 5:34 pm on Aug. 19, 2008 What about those of us who have G.E.Ds? What are our chances? -- Posted by valrossie at 1:44 am on Sep. 12, 2008 Work experience is not necessary to get into good schools.  If you do have a job, you can make it a very positive part of your application, showing that you are responsible, learning new skills, able to work with people, etc, but you don't HAVE to have a job in order to demonstrate these things.  Having a part-time job in high school can be good, but it should never interfere with your grades.  And if you need to choose between having a job and being involved in extracurricular activities, choose the activities - you will have a job for most of your life. -------------------------- valrossie http://www.drivenwide.com"" target="_top"> word of mouth marketing   -- Posted by carr1620 at 11:56 am on Jan. 6, 2009 When you are applying to college you want to show your leadership skills, get involved on in activities but do not just become members, hold positions that shows you are responsible. Also perform well on the SAT or ACT. Unlike most teens study for your SAT and ACT. These test can make admission and scholarships a lot easier When you apply to schools decide what you are looking for a small niche community or a school that is in a big city. -- Posted by janekylie at 10:54 pm on Jan. 14, 2009 Good timing I found this! -- Posted by ashleyscove at 3:08 am on Feb. 19, 2009 Great info... Thanks -- Posted by dantes2121 at 1:41 pm on Feb. 27, 2009 Quote: from carr1620 at 11:56 am on Jan. 6, 2009 When you are applying to college you want to show your leadership skills, get involved on in activities but do not just become members, hold positions that shows you are responsible. Also perform well on the SAT or ACT. Unlike most teens study for your SAT and ACT. These test can make admission and scholarships a lot easier When you apply to schools decide what you are looking for a small niche community or a school that is in a big city. This is completely true.  If you are applying to a competitive school your SAT / ACT scores & GPA will be the same as everyone else's.  The way to set yourself apart is by showing leadership and talent in an extra curricular.  Remember Colleges / University's want a well-rounded body, not a well rounded student.  Set yourself apart as the student they want on their campus with a certain interest. -- Posted by freewebcam at 8:30 pm on Oct. 30, 2009 Money free adult live hard core amateur webcam site, no signup to view webcams - just open a free account and enjoy free girls webcams male webcams gay webcams couple webcams http://www.icam4sex.com"; title="Money free Webcam Shows">Money free Webcam Shows -- Posted by Eye Of The Storm at 9:21 am on Nov. 3, 2009 about the scottish schools you can apply for uni in 5th year