The Admissions Blog with Bridget and John

Summer in Canton...The Farmers' Market!

Hello everyone and thanks for reading!

 My name is John Gursky and I will now be blogging alongside Bridget. We are both excited to keep you informed on the "here and now" of what is happening here in the admissions office, on campus, and in the “North Country” region!

Since today is Friday (yay!), I thought I would give you a glimpse of an ongoing local summer event that everyone in the area enjoys every Friday – The Canton Farmers' Market.
Bridget and I walked to the market today during our lunch break and had a great time!
If you visit our campus any Tuesday or Friday this summer through October, I highly recommend making some time to venture downtown and see the action. The market is located in the dead center of Canton – at the Canton Village Park (on the corner of Main Street). It’s about a ten minute walk from the center of campus.  You can't miss it.  Here is a link for more information:   Canton Farmers' Market Homepage -- check it out! 

It’s a great way to experience our small-town atmosphere and see the interaction between St. Lawrence and the greater Canton/North Country community. 

The Market is also very popular because it supports local farmers and businesses.  You can buy anything from locally grown produce to quilts to maple syrup.

 

If you are like me and forget to bring cash, you can always take in the atmosphere by sitting next to the park fountain (see pictures) and listen to the live music or participate in a yoga session.

One of my favorite places to visit at the Market is the popular stand that sells delicious homemade pies, bread and cookies.  Dawn (we refer to her in the office as "The Pie Lady") is the name of the woman who does all the baking.  She has a daughter, Beth, who helps sell the goodies at the stand when the market is open.  You can see when I stopped by the stand at noon, there wasn't too much left!  During the school year, Beth lives in New Orleans and teaches English at a high school school effected by Hurricane Katrina.  She was in desperate need of school supplies for her classroom.  Not too long ago, some SLU students organized a book drive on campus and sent her several boxes of books for her students in New Orleans to use...a great example of SLU students giving back to the community!

 Well, that’s all for now…back to work for me...have a great weekend!

--John

Independence Day and Interviews!

Happy Independence Day!  Ok, so it is actually July 3rd, but I thought that “independence” was a good way to start out this blog.  Independence relates to the individual which relates to interviews.  So my logic may be a little off, but if you want a school to know you, as an individual, an interview is a great way to accomplish that.

            There are two types of interviews.  The first is the informational interview.  This means your interview is for you.  The college does not utilize it in their decision making process.  It is simply a dedicated time for you to spend with an admissions representative having your questions answered. The second type of interview is a formal interview.  At St. Lawrence, we use the formal interview.  We believe that students who expend the effort interviewing should have that time taken into consideration during the application process. 

            Did you know you don’t need to come to campus to interview?  While we always recommend the campus tour, we realize that it can be difficult to visit every campus; therefore we offer a variety of interview opportunities while on the road.  The first is the off campus interview or the OCI for short.  These are offered throughout the summer, fall, and early winter.  Usually, they are offered near metropolitan areas; however you would be surprised where we admissions folks show up.  The second option is an alumni interview.  St. Lawrence is fortunate enough to have alumni throughout the country that are willing to interview students interested in their alma mater.  The alumni interview is just as effective as an OCI and will still be utilized in our decision making process.  The third option is to call the admissions office and see if an admissions rep can interview you while in your area.  This is especially helpful for students who may live very far away from campus, or have no OCI opportunities within a 2 to 3 hour radius (assuming that campus is farther than that).  Finally, there is the on-campus interview.  The admissions office calendar can be found on our website for individual days and times.  However, we typically offer interviews Monday through Saturday. Campus is beautiful in every season, so come up and see us!

            Interviewing can be a scary proposition for many students so here are some tips.

1)      CHILL OUT - - We are people too!  Look at your interview as a friendly conversation and be you…it will show through!

2)      DRESS - - Wear something comfortable and presentable.  This does not mean you have to come in a three piece suit or a ball gown (not that these are comfortable) but you want to dress appropriately.   If you are constantly pulling your skirt down or flipping your work boots off your foot, that is what the interviewer will remember … NOT YOU!

3)      PRACTICE - - Have an adult or an older friend (someone who has been through an interview) ask you some questions.  Think about the answers. 

4)      UTILIZE THE OPPORTUNITY - - This is your moment to shine (not be cocky).  We want to know about you.  This is two sided, if you have had a great accomplishment let us know but in the same way if you have erred in your judgment or performance it is a good time to explain and give insight into your error.

5)      BE YOURSELF - - Yes, this was mentioned before, but it is important enough to mention again.   There are two types of interviews admissions people disdain - - the student who doesn’t talk or gives one word answers - - or the person who boasts about accomplishments that don’t turn out to be realistic.  We want to see you at your best.  Interviews are not mandatory.  So if you are terrified at the prospect of interviewing, then don’t worry we won’t make you!

6)      WORDS - - Choose your words carefully. Remember positive, enlightening, and energetic conversation is the best way to illustrate your point.

Have a great Independence Day!  If you live in the tri-state area I am conducting OCI’s next week.  Check out the website or call the office for more information!

Your college list - -

   For a lucky few, your college list is finalized.  You know exactly where you are going to apply, and are looking forward to July 1^st so that you can get started on your applications.  However, for most of you, your college list is a work in progress.  This is as it should be, a continually updating collection of locations in which to spend your next four years (am I scaring you yet?).    Here are some things to think about as you formulate your college list.

            1) Location - - Where is the school located?  Is this important to you?  Does the school’s location add or detract from that schools ability to offer what you need as a student?   Many set their mind to one type of location and leave out many great schools that may be in slightly different places.  On the road, I often ask students who worry about Canton being small, “How often do you shop in a grocery store, attend a movie, or sit in a park outside of your neighborhood?”  If the answer is often, then Canton may feel small to you, but for most of us the answer is never, we stay in our neighborhoods even when surrounded by other choices. Location is more than just rural, suburban, and urban but is also geographical.  There are thousands of schools throughout the country make sure you are giving them all a fair shot, in the same way shouldn’t overlook that amazing school in your backyard either!

            2) Size of the school - - Do you feel comfortable in large crowds?  Do you feel comfortable knowing everyone in your class on a personal level?  How well are you able to self advocate?  Do you like having adults in mentoring roles?   Students often don’t consider the size of the school overall when placing it on their list.  They ask questions about class size and faculty to student ratio but do not consider their day to day life as a student outside of the classroom in comparison to the size of the college or university.  When considering the size of the school, you must also consider your learning style, ability to self advocate, and how you would like to become connected to your school community.

            3) Distance from home - -  Students tend to fall into two categories 1) More than two hours away from my parents and they might move without telling me or 2) the further the better!   You live in the digital age!  Keeping in contact with home and friends is easier than ever, therefore the distance isn’t as big of a deal as it was when let’s say you took a buggy to college.  Sure it’s nice to go home for a weekend and get a home cooked meal and your laundry done, but be honest about how many times you are likely going to do that.   In my personal experience, I lived within that 2 to 3 hour window and rarely went home for the weekend.  There was too much going on at school to miss out!  However, some of us do have family obligations and so how far you can/want to go is limited.  For the rest, get out a map! Your perfect college maybe across the country or the world and its only a plane ride away!

            4) Majors/Minors and Requirements - - Do you want a curriculum that is set or one that allows you to choose the courses?  Do you know what you want to major in?  A majority of students are positive they are going to study X in college, this same majority switches their major at least once in their four years.   Make sure you are picking a school that offers a variety of things you are interested in, this way if you change your mind you have other options as well.  It is also important to ask how long certain majors take to complete.  At some schools, popular majors may be more difficult to complete in four years.  Some schools have their majors and minors under different “colleges” within the college, make sure you research your ability to switch between “colleges” or take courses in other “colleges” outside your major.

            5) Cost and Financial Aid - - Do not get sticker shock!  Although some colleges and universities cost more than others, they may also be able to offer larger financial aid packages to off-set this cost.  Colleges and universities use the EFC or estimated family contribution to build your financial aid package.  There are many calculators online that will help you and your parents calculate your EFC; this will give you an idea of how much the federal government expects you or your parents can contribute to your college education.   Applications fees can be expensive as well.  Many schools offer free or reduced applications.  At SLU anyone who comes on an official campus visit is given a free application.  However, your guidance counselor can also help you with application fee waivers if you qualify.

            6) What do you want to DO in college? - - Do you want to continue playing a sport, an instrument, or working on the newspaper?    Be honest with yourself!  College is a place to try new things but also continue old things at an entirely new level.  Being a college athlete, instrumentalist, or editor is a whole new and intense world; however, there are also opportunities to stay involved at a less intense level.  Then, of course, you must consider study abroad opportunities, internships, ability to work on campus and anything and everything else that is important to you.

            In all, do your research and ask yourself those hard questions.  By doing this you can and will find the college or university that best fits YOU!