University of New Haven

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1 University of New Haven A Parent s Guide to College and Financial Aid Planning Our Publishing Partner

2 UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAVEN for the Experience For the Education unique classes, great faculty, nearly 100 undergraduate degree programs For the Location halfway between New York and Boston along the Connecticut coastline For the Advantage experiential learning in and out of the classroom Visit or call DIAL-UNH ( ), ext ACCOUNTING ART DIGITAL ART & DESIGN* MUSEUM STUDIES* BIOLOGY BIOCHEMISTRY* EDUCATION* GENERAL BIOLOGY* PRE-MEDICAL/PRE-DENTAL/ PRE-VETERINARY/MEDICAL BIOLOGY* BIOTECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CHEMISTRY EDUCATION* COMMUNICATION MASS COMMUNICATION* COMPUTER SCIENCE CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION CRIMINAL JUSTICE CORRECTIONS* CRIME ANALYSIS* FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY* INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE & SECURITY* INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES* JUVENILE & FAMILY JUSTICE* LAW ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION* VICTIM SERVICES ADMINISTRATION* DENTAL HYGIENE ECONOMICS EDUCATION** ELEMENTARY SECONDARY ENGLISH EDUCATION* LITERATURE* WRITING* ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ENGINEERING CHEMICAL ENGINEERING CIVIL ENGINEERING COMPUTER ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING GENERAL ENGINEERING MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SYSTEM ENGINEERING FINANCE FIRE & OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING FIRE SCIENCE FIRE ADMINISTRATION* FIRE/ARSON INVESTIGATION* FIRE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY* FORENSIC SCIENCE BIOLOGY* CHEMISTRY* GLOBAL STUDIES GRAPHIC DESIGN MULTIMEDIA STUDIES* HISTORY EDUCATION* HOTEL & RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY NETWORK ADMINISTRATION & SECURITY* WEB & DATABASE DEVELOPMENT* INTELLIGENCE STUDIES INTERIOR DESIGN PRE-ARCHITECTURE* INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LEGAL STUDIES DISPUTE RESOLUTION* PARALEGAL STUDIES* PUBLIC AFFAIRS* LIBERAL STUDIES MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT OF SPORTS INDUSTRIES MARINE BIOLOGY AQUACULTURE* BIOTECHNOLOGY* CONSERVATION* FORENSICS* JOURNALISM* LAW ENFORCEMENT* PHOTOGRAPHY* POLICY* TECHNOLOGY* MARKETING MATHEMATICS APPLIED MATHEMATICS* COMPUTER SCIENCE* EDUCATION* STATISTICS* MUSIC MUSIC INDUSTRY MUSIC & SOUND RECORDING NUTRITION & DIETETICS POLITICAL SCIENCE PRE-LAW PSYCHOLOGY COMMUNITY-CLINICAL* FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY* GENERAL* THEATRE ARTS ACTING/PERFORMANCE* ARTS ADMINISTRATION* DESIGN/PRODUCTION* TOURISM AND EVENT MANAGEMENT UNDECLARED *CONCENTRATION **COMBINED BA/MS PROGRAM PROPOSED FALL 2010 Produced by UNH Department of Marketing & Publications. Univ. M&P

3 WELCOME Dear Prospective Students and Parents: Thank you for your interest in the University of New Haven. You are about to choose a college or university to attend, one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. You have more than 4,000 choices in the United States alone. We hope this booklet will help you make your decision. Since 1920, the University of New Haven has been providing unique opportunities for our students. Today, UNH offers nearly 100 distinct bachelor s degree programs and concentrations to its nearly 3,400 full-time undergraduate students. We hope you will become a part of this truly exceptional institution. In addition to our outstanding level of personal attention for our students, we have many new initiatives and programs that will help our students stand out when they enter the job market. These include the Tegrity Learning System, which allows students to download professor s lectures to their personal computer or ipod; extensive study abroad opportunities such as our Freshman Semester Abroad program, where students can spend their first semester at Roehampton University in London, England; and our Bachelor s Plus Program in Education, where students can get a bachelor s degree in their area of study in addition to a tuition-free master s degree in education. One of the most significant concerns for prospective students and parents is the cost of higher education. While many of our innovative majors attract students from all over the world, UNH also offers several types of scholarships and grants that generate even greater interest. It is our goal to assist you from the time you apply for admission and financial aid until the time you set foot on our campus for the first day of class, and we will continue to support you during your years at UNH. Please take a moment to review the information in this booklet. We believe you will find it to be very helpful. We sincerely hope to see you at the University of New Haven in the near future! You will find a listing of our campus visit options on our Web site; please visit us any time. Thanks again for your interest and good luck with your college search! Sincerely, Kevin J. Phillips Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Today, UNH offers nearly 100 distinct bachelor s degree programs and concentrations to its nearly 3,400 full-time undergraduate students. University of New Haven 3

4 School Highlights Overview The University of New Haven (UNH) is a private, comprehensive university located in West Haven, Connecticut. UNH offers a rich variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of fields within four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the Tagliatela College of Engineering, and the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. UNH has a full-time undergraduate enrollment of nearly 3,400 students with approximately 75 percent residing on campus. They are joined by more than 450 part-time undergraduate students. Our Graduate School enrollment exceeds 1,700 day and evening graduate students. The student to faculty ratio is 14:1, and the average class size is 19. Academics UNH offers nearly 100 undergraduate degree programs and more than 25 graduate degree programs in innovative fields such as management of sports industries, nutrition and dietetics, forensic science, music and sound recording, engineering, computer science, fire science, criminal justice, biology, and dental hygiene. Every college at UNH boasts a dedicated and experienced faculty, made up of more than 160 full-time and 190 part-time faculty members. Of our faculty members, 82 percent hold a PhD or terminal degree in their field. UNH stands apart from other institutions of higher learning because it invests in the process of experiential learning, bringing practice into the classroom to educate its students. The faculty of UNH have an enthusiasm for teaching that includes giving their own lectures, bringing students into their research labs, and looking for ways to support the students outside the classroom. Campus Life Our 80-acre main campus sits on a hillside overlooking the city of New Haven and Long Island Sound and is located within easy driving distance of both New York City and Boston. We offer the advantages of a semi-suburban atmosphere combined with the excitement of city life. The breakdown by gender is approximately 50 percent men and 50 percent women. Our student body hails from 40 states and 53 countries. Nearly 20 percent of our student body represents minority groups (all categories). UNH hosts approximately 80 extracurricular studentrun clubs, as well as a selection of professional networking and honor societies. The University of New Haven s athletics program makes up one of the most respected and successful NCAA Division II programs in the country. The university offers 18 varsity sports that compete as NCAA Division II members: men s and women s basketball, crosscountry, indoor and outdoor track, soccer, and volleyball; men s baseball, football, and golf; and women s lacrosse, softball, and tennis. Study Abroad UNH students have access to more than 145 international programs in destinations such as London, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Florence, and Rome. Most majors will allow you to experience study abroad while remaining on track to graduate within four years. Enroll in one of the approved UNH study abroad programs and all of your financial aid will travel with you. Undergraduate students have the option to travel abroad in their first year through UNH s Freshman Semester Abroad program. Imagine living and studying in England your freshman year! This program affords you the opportunity to study at Roehampton University, an outstanding institution of higher learning outside London, for one semester. The cost is comparable to studying at our West Haven campus. Financial Aid and Scholarships UNH offers a comprehensive financial aid program, providing aid in the form of grants, scholarships, student loans, and part-time employment. Funds are also available from federal and state governments, private sponsors, and university resources. Approximately 85 percent of our students take advantage of some form of financial aid. Most financial aid awards are based on need. Merit-based financial aid is available to students who have exceptional academic records or athletic ability. n University of New Haven KeyFacts Contact Information University of New Haven Office of Undergraduate Admissions 300 Boston Post Road West Haven, CT Web site: Admissions Office Phone: (203) or toll-free at (800) DIAL UNH ( ), ext Fax: (203) adminfo@newhaven.edu Financial Aid Office Phone: (203) or toll-free at (800) DIAL UNH ( ), ext financialaid@newhaven.edu Quick Facts Institutional control: Private, comprehensive, nonprofit Setting: Semi-suburban, minutes from downtown New Haven Number of undergraduate students: 3,400 Number of graduate students: 1,763 Cost of Attendance Undergraduate in-state tuition and fees (academic year): $28,250 Undergraduate out-of-state tuition and fees (academic year): $28,250 Average room and board (academic year): $12,400 Financial Aid Grants offered: Yes Scholarships offered: Yes Loans offered: Yes Organizations Number of registered organizations: 80 Number of honor societies: 7 Most Popular Areas of Study 1. Criminal Justice and Forensic Science 2. Music 3. Marine Biology 4. Sports Management 5. Fire Science 6. Business 7. Engineering 4

5 Table of Contents University of New Haven 03 Welcome 04 University Profile 16 Faculty and Student Profiles College Search 6 Introduction: Step-by-Step College Search and Key Milestones Learn the key steps in the college search and admissions process. Use the reference calendar to remind your students of milestones that they must meet to get into their college of choice. 9 Finding the Right Fit: Your Teen and College How do you sort through the thousands of colleges and universities in the United States to find those that are a good fit for your student? Start with your student s personality and goals, and use the factors listed in this article to make a short list of suitable matches. 10 Making the Most of a College Tour This article provides readers with helpful tips to make their campus visits productive, from the timing of the visit to important places to see on each campus. 11 Decision Time This easy-to-use chart helps students weigh the factors involved in choosing a college. 12 Online Chats Bring the Admissions Office to You Can t get to campus for an interview or visit just yet? Or maybe you have a visit scheduled next month, but you re anxious to learn more now. Look for an opportunity to chat online with admissions officers, financial aid representatives, or even professors or students. Colleges are using online chat technology to reach out to students and sell their schools. Check out UNH s chat dates! Academics 13 Study Abroad and Learn about a Country, Its People, and Yourself Studying abroad is about more than studying; read this article to learn about the life lessons students can gain by broadening their educational horizons. 14 You re Not in High School Anymore: Learning to Study for College Courses You may be shocked by the amount of homework and studying there is in college compared to high school. This article helps prepare you for the difference between studying in high school and studying in college and gives you tips on making the study transition. 15 The Tech-Savvy Campus: What You Need to Know Technology is a critical part of education, and judging a school s level of technology is important when deciding where to attend. Student Life 17 Help Your Student Survive the First Year of College Worried about your student being unhappy at school? Learn what parents can do to help their children successfully transition to college and have a positive college experience. 19 Stay in the Game College students have many opportunities to play sports, from varsity to intramural to club teams. Read on to discover which level is right for your student. Financial Aid 20 Financial Aid Calendar Use this timeline to help manage the financial aid process and all the milestones that should be met on a monthly basis. 21 Scholarship Opportunities at UNH See what scholarships you may qualify for at UNH. 22 Filing the FAFSA Know the ins and outs of the FAFSA so your students get all of the need-based aid possible. 23 Education on Loan Become familiar with the loans available to determine whether your students qualify. 24 Picking the Best Financial Aid Package Make sure your students are getting the best financial aid deal possible with the tips in this article. 25 How Am I Going to Pay for a College Education? Worried about funding your student s education? Learn how parents can use scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study programs to help tackle the expense of higher education. 26 Northeastern Financial Aid Resources Visit the Web sites listed here to search the financial aid options in the Northeast. 28 Do Some Digging to Get College Financial Aid The article provides families with basic financial aid information and advice for tackling the costs associated with higher education. 30 Five Tips for Paying for College Here, readers will understand how to think in relationship to finding financial aid thinking ahead, thinking federally, thinking locally, thinking categorically, and thinking corporately. Featured Authors Shari Armstrong is the owner of Eagles Wings Writing ( a freelance writing and editing service. She can be contacted at shari@eagleswingswriting.com. Ann Bezbatchenko earned a master s degree from The Catholic University of America, where she worked as the assistant director of graduate admissions. She currently works for Loyola University Chicago as the director of graduate and professional enrollment management. Crystal Conde is a freelance writer based in Austin, Texas. Christina Couch is a freelance writer based in Richmond, Virginia, and Chicago, Illinois. She is the author of Virginia Colleges 101: The Ultimate Guide for Students of All Ages (Palari Publishing, 2008). Her byline can also be found on AOL.com, MSN.com, Yahoo.com, and Wired Magazine.. Kimberly Hardy, MSW, LGSW, has been a clinical school social worker for many years. She has studied at Morgan State University, The Ohio State University, and The University of Chicago. Rose Rennekamp is the vice president of communications for ACT. She is a mom and has a Master of Education in guidance and counseling. For more college and career-planning information, visit Michelle Taute ( is a freelance writer and editor in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has written for USA Weekend, Natural Home, and The Writer. Sally Wood is a freelance writer and editor from Marionville, Missouri. She worked as a high school counselor in the Aurora R-VIII School District in Aurora, Missouri, from Copyright 2009 by Hobsons, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE. Copyright 2009 by the University of New Haven. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE. Hobsons, Hobsons logo, and KeyFacts are trademarks of Hobsons. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. Hobsons U.S. Office: 50 E-Business Way, Suite 300 Cincinnati, OH (513)

6 Introduction: Step-by-Step College Search By Sally Wood The senior year is exciting for parents and students alike. As that long-anticipated end nears, you and your student realize why that final ceremony is called commencement. After the ceremony and the graduation party, you realize it s only just begun. You know the next step is college. Choosing the right college can seem overwhelming. Taking one step at a time those Key Milestones outlined on the following pages can make it exciting and fun. Follow the steps here to help your student transition to college smoothly. See your student s counselor early and often. The counselor s office has a wealth of information to help with every step of the decisionmaking process. Picture your student s ideal college. Go to Once you and your student have decided on important factors, use this site to find which colleges meet those requirements. Narrow or broaden your search criteria as needed. Take virtual tours. At CollegeView, you ll find KeyFacts and a link for each college that may be a possibility for your student. That link takes you to the college s site, where you can take a virtual tour of the campus. Visit the colleges. Virtual tours are helpful initially, but you and your student also need to visit the campus. If admissions and financial aid personnel meet you, you ll be more than a piece of paper when your student s applications reach their desks. Walking around campus on your own is as important as taking a guided tour; let your student decide if it feels right. Stress that your student take admissions tests. Do your student s selected colleges prefer the ACT or the SAT? College Search Be sure your student applies early. Many colleges have early deadlines; some offer scholarships to those who apply before a certain date. Help your student stay focused. Not only must your student select colleges, they must also succeed in the college-preparatory courses required for admission. The best advice for you and your student is: Don t procrastinate. Begin early. Using this issue as your guide, take one step at a time and have fun! n Walking around campus on your own is as important as taking a guided tour; let your student decide if it feels right. 6

7 Key Milestones By Sally Wood Use this handy reference calendar to remind your student of milestones that they must meet to get into their college of choice. Freshman Plan strategy to meet college entrance requirements. Sophomore Take PSAT/NMSQT and/or PLAN in preparation for SAT and ACT. Junior Review course plan with guidance counselor and plan senior schedule. Start search for financial aid. Visit colleges of interest. Take SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Test, and/or ACT. Freshman Year Fall Term Plan ahead. Your student should schedule time to meet with their guidance counselor and plan a strategy of courses that will meet college entrance requirements. Sophomore Year September Your student should speak with their guidance counselor about taking the PSAT/NMSQT and the PLAN in preparation for the SAT and ACT. October Your student should take the PSAT/NMSQT and/or PLAN. Sophomore-year PSAT/NMSQT scores will not count toward the National Merit Scholarship Competition, but it is good practice. December Receive results of PSAT/NMSQT and/or PLAN. They should consult with their guidance counselor to investigate ways to improve scores on standardized tests. Junior Year September Map out a testing schedule for the coming year, including the PSAT/NMSQT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and/or ACT. Pick the test dates that will work with your student s schedule, taking into account family events, extracurricular activities, and holidays. Have your student register for the October PSAT/NMSQT. They should meet with their guidance counselor to review their course plan for the school year and plan their senior schedule. Check your student s course transcript. Are they on track to complete all the credits required by schools they are interested in applying to? Begin to establish criteria for the college search: Is your student interested in a small rural college or a large urban campus? Visit some local colleges to learn what they do and don t like. October They should take the PSAT/NMSQT. Scores are important, as they are used to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Competition and the National Achievement program; plus, it s good practice for the SAT. Start doing a search for financial aid. Options include grants, loans, and scholarships. December Receive results of the PSAT/NMSQT. Your student should consult their guidance counselor to consider whether an SAT prep course would be a good investment. February They should contact the colleges they are interested in to find out if they prefer the ACT or the SAT. Spring Break Visit schools that interest them. April They should consider registering for the May and June SAT and ACT test dates; it s not too early to start testing. They should re-evaluate their list of potential schools and eliminate those that no longer interest them. Begin searching for financial aid. May If they re enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes, your student will take the appropriate AP tests. They should continue to visit colleges. Call ahead and ask for appointments with the departments of financial aid and admissions, academic advisors, professors, and students. Continued on next page College Search 7

8 Key Milestones Continued Senior Year September Continue to research financial aid options. Make sure your student has all applications required for financial aid and admission. Check admission and financial aid deadlines for the schools they plan to apply to. Have your student register for the fall ACT and/or SAT test dates as needed. Your student should obtain letters of recommendation and plan college visits. October Have your student meet with their guidance counselor to review their final list of colleges. File early decision applications if they have made a decision. Your student should attend college fairs to further investigate the colleges where they would like to apply. Have official test scores sent by the testing agency to the colleges on their short list. November They ll need to start writing and editing their application essays. Have your student complete their college applications (make copies before mailing). December Mail all applications. They should schedule their college admission interviews. January Your student should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible. They can file the form online at or request a paper form by calling (800) 4-FED-AID ( ). Have your student talk to their counselor about special forms your state might require. Your student should request that their school send their grade reports/transcripts to the colleges they applied to. Complete your income tax forms as soon as possible. Contact the colleges to see if they require any other forms. If so, your student should contact the schools financial aid offices or their counselor. They should contact the colleges and confirm that all application materials (transcripts, recommendations, and financial aid forms) have been received. February Your student will receive their Student Aid Report (SAR) within four weeks of completing the FAFSA online (longer for the paper application). Review the SAR, make any necessary corrections, and return it to the FAFSA processor. If they have not received their SAR and more than four weeks has passed, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center. Scholarship applications should be completed. April Review acceptances and compare financial aid packages. May By May 1, your student should make their decision about which college they will attend and send in their acceptance of the school s offer along with any other necessary paperwork. Notify other prospective colleges that your student has selected another school. If their first-choice college placed them on a waiting list, they should let them know that they are still interested in attending the school. June Your student should ask their counselor to forward their final transcript to the college of their choice and let them know of any additional financial aid they will receive. Finally, have them contact the school and determine when fees are due for tuition and room and board. n Senior Set up college interviews and visits. Review final college choices with guidance counselor. File early action or early decision applications. College Search Take the SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Test, and/or ACT and send results to colleges. Obtain federal and state financial aid forms. Send all application materials to colleges. Review acceptances, and then make a decision. 8

9 Finding the Right Fit: Your Teen and College By Rose Rennekamp You can check out all of the slick college brochures, college Web sites, and college-planning resources you wish, but choosing the right college for your teen boils down to a few things: primarily personality and goals. For many teens, it seems to be an easy choice they just want to go to the nearest college or the one their friends are planning to attend. However, finding a college that s the right fit often isn t that easy. It takes a lot of homework and legwork, and your teens may need your help. The secret is in finding a college that meets the academic, social, and career goals of a student. So, what should you consider when choosing a college? According to the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA, the top qualities college freshmen seek in a school include: Academic reputation Availability of financial aid College size Job placement success The secret is in finding a college that meets the academic, social, and career goals of a student. In today s brandconscious world, academic reputation has become important to families. But just because a college has a stellar academic reputation doesn t mean it s the right one for your students. Thousands of colleges provide students with a quality education even if they don t make national ranking lists. Your students need to answer many questions before a decision is made, and the decision should be based upon solid information. A good place to start is the college s location. This will affect the number of choices you have. Is the college close enough to home? Your newly independent students might still want the family close enough for weekend visits. The size of the college may be a factor. One of the reasons students drop out of college is because they don t feel as if they fit in. A small-town student who graduated from high school with 100 seniors may suffer from culture shock in a large university, or he might enjoy the educational or cultural offerings never experienced before. When considering size, look at the instructor student ratio. How accessible are the instructors? Do they take an active interest in their students? Also, class sizes vary greatly. For example, at a large university, a freshman American history class might have 300 students, while at the same institution, a freshman English class may be limited to 30 students. Does the school offer academic support services for students, particularly freshmen who are adjusting to college courses? Also consider the rigor of the courses taught. College is an adjustment for all students, and you need to know the level of academic challenge your students are ready to handle. Visit with their school s counselor for more information. Academically, it s important that the college has a strong offering in your children s chosen major. Find out the academic requirements for that major and what learning opportunities are available. What job-placement services does the college provide? And, of course, teens will be interested in the nonacademic and social life. Are there social and extracurricular activities that appeal to your students interests? Find out the availability of athletic, social, academic, and recreational clubs. Last, but not least, consider cost. College is expensive, but almost all colleges have scholarship awards, loans, work-study programs, and other types of aid to help ease the financial burden. Contact the college s financial aid office for more details. Before your students apply, visit the campus. It s the only way to get a true picture of the atmosphere and to answer some of your questions. Talk to current students (and graduates, if possible) and faculty members, look at housing, attend classes, and spend some time in the community. College catalogs, Web sites, and videos are fine starting points, but they won t tell you if the school is known for a party atmosphere, if students leave campus on the weekends, if there is diversity among faculty and students, or if the town is welcoming to students. Colleges want to recruit students who will thrive on campus. Armed with the right information, your children will make a good choice. n College Search 9

10 Making the Most of a College Tour By Rose Rennekamp Most college students will be more than willing to tell a prospective student why they love (or hate) their alma mater. College Search Can you imagine buying a home or a used car after just seeing a photo in a newspaper ad or on the Internet? Most of us hesitate to make a major purchase or decision without some investigation. One of the first major decisions for a young person is selecting a college, and it shouldn t be made solely on information such as the school s reputation, a guidebook, or a Web site. In order to find out what a college is really like, students should take a personal tour of the campus. A campus visit can be exciting and informative, but not all teenagers will want to share the experience with their parents. My son insisted he visit colleges on his own, saying it was his decision, not ours. My daughter, on the other hand, permitted me to tag along on half of her campus visits. Whether they re heading out on their own or with you, here are some helpful tips to get the most out of the visit: Call ahead. Most colleges and universities prefer about two weeks notice to set up a tour. Set up a meeting with an admissions counselor, with a professor or advisor in the major the student plans to study, and if possible, meet with a student from your hometown or with the same major. Visit while classes are in session. Observe how the faculty and students interact. Are the teachers engaging and interested in the students? Are students satisfied with the classes? Give yourself enough time and take notes. One or two campuses a day is enough. It s also a great idea for students to carry a note pad to write down comments, observations, and questions to help them make a decision later. Visit important places on campus. Tour a couple of dorms. Eat lunch in a dining hall. Get a true feeling of how students live. A young woman I know was having a hard time convincing her parents that a university three states away was right for her. But one visit to the hands-on journalism school, a talk with the advisor, and a journalism student from her home state convinced everyone that she had found the right school even though it meant a more expensive plane ticket home. Find out what services are offered to students. More than a third of the students who took the ACT in 2003 said they needed help deciding their educational and occupational plans. Ask what kind of advising or career counseling services the college offers. Many also said they need help with study skills. Does the college offer tutoring or courses to help with this? Talk to everyone you meet on campus. Encourage your students to talk to as many students as they can. If you go along on the tour, urge your teenagers to walk around on their own a little and ask questions they really want answered without a parent around. Most college students will be more than willing to tell a prospective student why they love (or hate) their alma mater. Of course, not every family has the time or money to visit distant colleges. To help students narrow down their choices, there are things they can do from home to get an in-depth look at a campus. Take a Virtual Tour. Many colleges and universities now offer virtual tours on their Web sites, including pictures and sometimes video. Remember that the admissions offices design the tours, so they won t always show you a complete picture. a student or faculty member. Most admissions counselors would be happy to put prospective students in touch with faculty members or students in their major. Don t stop there. To get a true picture, contact someone independent of the admissions office. Look for names in an online version of the campus newspaper, or check out the Web pages of student clubs or groups. The purchase of a car even some homes can pale in comparison to the expense of a college education. If you can spend the time and money to do so, a good way to avoid buyer s remorse is to visit the lot and take the school for a spin before signing on the dotted line. n 10

11 Decision Time Determining where you want to go to school involves a variety of factors. If you re still figuring out which college or university to attend, let this pro and con chart help you along the way. The chart is easy to use. First, rate each factor as it relates to the school you re considering as positive or negative. Second, add up the columns of pluses and minuses. The schools that have too many negatives should be eliminated from your list. Finally, you can begin researching the school with the most positive attributes. School Name: Rate important factors + - Importance of factor Notes Major available Location Financial aid available Public Private Disability friendly Campus demographic Housing Extracurricular activities Cost Religious affiliation Transportation Student faculty ratio Other TOTAL College Search To continue your college search, visit The automated search engine features many of the criteria listed in the chart. n 11

12 Online Chats Bring the Admissions Office to You By Michelle Taute You ve whittled your college list down to a few top choices, and you can t wait to set foot on each campus. Unfortunately, the days seem to be creeping by until your visit next month. What s a soonto-be college freshman to do? Tide yourself over with an online admission chat. College Search Whether it s time or money standing between you and a real-life visit, online chats are a great way to get a better feel for any college. You can interact with everyone from admissions and financial aid staff to current students. It s an opportunity to ask a few of your most burning questions and find out what s on the minds of potential classmates. Step One: Find Your Chat Colleges want you to learn more about life on campus, so they make chats easy to find. Simply log onto a school s official Web site and plug online chats into the search box. This often turns up a schedule complete with dates and times. Can t find what you re looking for? Try calling the college s toll-free admissions number and asking about online chats for prospective students. Take a close look at your options. Many schools offer chats on a range of topics, everything from student life to financial aid. You ll need to decide what you re most curious about and who you want to talk with most. If you re still in the application process, you might want to chat with admissions staff to ask about your GPA or test scores. Worried about how you ll fit in on campus? Current students can tell you whether it s a soccer playing paradise or a budding actor s dream. Step Two: Do Your Homework You wouldn t show up for an important test without studying, so it s only natural to spend a few minutes preparing for this virtual conversation. First, check to see if the school s Web site includes an archive of past chats. Reading through these exchanges can give you a better idea of how these chats unfold and may even answer some of your questions beforehand. Depending on how long a chat lasts and how many students log on, you may only have the chance to ask one or two questions. This makes it key to think about what you want to know ahead of time. Spend 10 or 15 minutes brainstorming a list of questions then take another few minutes to rank them by importance. Keep this list in front of you once the chat starts, and you ll be one step closer to moving into the dorms! n Whether it s time or money standing between you and a real-life visit, online chats are a great way to get a better feel for any college. Chat live with UNH admissions counselors and current students! Log onto to begin your chat! Charger Chats (for students and parents) Sunday, August 23, 2009 Sunday, September 20, 2009 Sunday, October 25, 2009 Sunday, December 13, 2009 Sunday, January 24, 2010 Sunday, February 21, 2010 Sunday, March 7, 2010 Sunday, March 21, 2010 Sunday, April 18, 2010 Sunday, April 25, 2010 Sunday, May 16, 2010 Sunday, June 6, 2010 Online Open House Sunday, December 6, 2009 CollegeWeekLive Events Thursday, July 16, Paying and Preparing for College Thursday, September 24, 2009 Test Prep Wed.-Thurs., November 4-5, 2009 Annual Fall College Fair All chats take place from 7-9 p.m. EST unless otherwise noted. 12

13 Study Abroad and Learn about a Country, Its People, and Yourself By Ann Bezbatchenko Studying abroad can be an exciting part of any college career. It is an opportunity to see beyond what a tourist usually sees and understand another country s culture, economy, and people all while learning about yourself. However, before you embark on your trip, there is a lot to consider so you can make the most of your experience. First, you need to decide what kind of program you would like to do full immersion or island program. For a full immersion program, you enroll in a foreign university, and classes will be taught in your host country s language. In an island program, you may be at a foreign university, but you take courses taught in English with other Americans. The length and cost of a program are also important to consider. Programs can be as long as a year or as short as two weeks. Some people find that they can only be away from home a few weeks, while others need a few months or a year to immerse themselves in the culture. You may think that a shorter program is cheaper, but this is not always true. For instance, the cost per day of a summer program can be higher than a semester program. Review all costs to see what a program includes. Programs may seem cheap, but they may actually include very little. Where you live while abroad may have the biggest impact on your experience. The two main options are living with a host family or at a university (probably with other Americans, depending on the program). Living in a dorm may afford you more freedom, but living with a family is a unique way to experience a country s culture firsthand. Also, if you are in a country where the first language is not English, it will help you learn or improve your speaking abilities faster. It is important to consider how the classes you take abroad will meet degree requirements. Your university may have the perfect program for you, or you may need to take courses through another school or a study abroad program. Even students in non-traditional study abroad majors, like engineering or science, may be able to participate in a study abroad experience. It is best to meet with your academic advisor or a study abroad advisor to find a program that will fit your academic needs. Everyone has different needs while studying abroad. However, most students experience what is called the W-curve. You will be excited, then frustrated, and then happy after adjusting to your host country s culture. The second part of the curve is the up and down of returning home. Many students will find knowledge of the W-curve comforting as they experience the ups and downs associated with being in a new culture. To make the most of your experience abroad, try your best to immerse yourself in the culture and people. It may be comforting to spend a lot of time with Americans, but you may limit your experience if you do. It is best to strike a balance between the familiar and the unfamiliar. Keeping a journal of your experiences is an interesting way to see how you grow while abroad and to remember all the exciting experiences and people you encounter. n To learn more about Study Abroad programs at UNH go to To make the most of your experience abroad, try your best to immerse yourself in the culture and people. A limited number of first year UNH students take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad at Roehampton University in London their first semester as a part of our groundbreaking Freshman Semester Abroad program. Academics 13

14 You re Not in High School Anymore: Learning to Study for College Courses By Sally Wood For many college freshmen, the difference between studying in high school and studying in college is shocking. Even in honors high school classes, teachers remind students of upcoming tests, give daily assignments, and work with them individually. But college involves large classes and few daily assignments; midterms and finals are a large percentage of the course grade; and the class syllabus may be the only reminder of due dates. Studying is a challenge. No matter what your reason for going to college, making decent grades and passing your classes are a must. So from the beginning you must approach your studies seriously. Here are a few tips to help you make the transition: Academics Find a quiet, distraction-free place where you can concentrate. Try the library. Your dorm room may also be okay, especially during designated quiet hours. Use a daily planner to keep track of due dates and exam dates. Set a daily schedule. Devoting two hours of study for every hour spent in class will help you avoid waiting until it s too late to start researching for a major paper, reading the many chapters covered on the next test, or studying for a major exam. Choose a course schedule that allows an hour between classes. Reviewing prior notes or reading corresponding chapters just before class helps you understand the lecture or discussion. Or immediately after a class with the material fresh on your mind review lecture notes, revise notes that you jotted during class, and read corresponding text material. Don t get behind. You ll be expected to read more than 100 pages weekly for each lecture course. Don t procrastinate, and read carefully when you read. Don t just highlight points in the book; taking notes will help you concentrate, and you ll be more likely to remember the information if you write it down. Take good lecture and reading notes. Focus on important points that may be covered on the exam. Consolidate text notes and lecture notes. Lectures and reading material usually supplement one another; on exams, you must demonstrate your understanding of all the information. Ask for help. Getting to know your instructors and other students in your class makes it easier to ask questions. Attend study groups; it s amazing how much students learn from one another. Make flash cards out of index cards. Write the word or question on one side; write the definition or the answer on the other side. Look at the word or the question, trying to answer as if it were a test question. Turn the card over and check your answer. Those you answered correctly go in your success stack; if your answer was wrong, put the card in your review stack. Your notes will be more manageable and less overwhelming, especially right before a test, when you re concentrating on especially difficult material. Take time to relax. If you spend all your time studying, you ll burn out and maybe even drop out. Find a balance between studying and having fun. No matter what your reason for going to college, making decent grades and passing your classes are a must. By following these steps, you ll have no problem transitioning into a successful, enjoyable college career! n 14

15 The Tech-Savvy Campus What You Need to Know By Shari Armstrong The need for colleges and universities to provide the best technological training is imperative to the success of their students and ultimately the school itself. My family got our first personal computer in 1982, when I was in junior high. It had 2K of memory and we had to type in our programming, until we upgraded to 16K and a tape memory system. That s a far cry from the computers of today, with 200GB of memory and CD/DVD burners built into the machines. Technology increases exponentially every year, and schools need to stay current. Lowell Milken, co-founder and chairman of the Milken Family Foundation, said, Educators and students need tools that reflect the time in which we live, as well as the era into which we re moving. That means they need technology. But make no mistake technology is no more the cure-all for all the needs of education than the X-ray was for those of medicine. Technology is a bridge, not a destination. When schools have equipment that is outdated, by the time a student graduates and is ready to enter the workforce, they are significantly behind the competition from other schools that may have constantly updated their technology, both software and hardware. There are very few careers out there today that don t require some kind of computer knowledge. While deciding on a college, it is important to look not only at the academic program, but also at how well the faculty integrates the use of computers and other technology into the curriculum. A few questions to keep in mind: How many computers per lab are available for student use? What hours are they available? Is there Internet access in the dorms? What software is available? Is training/tutoring provided for the various software programs outside of class? Do the professors incorporate various software applications (databases, spreadsheets, graphics programs, etc.) to be used for assignments? How often do upgrades occur? (software and hardware) Does the school offer distance learning? The number of students majoring in computer science (CS) has declined sharply from a high of nearly 16,000 new CS majors in fall 2000 to just under 8,000 in fall 2005, according to data collected by the Computing Research Association. Due to this trend, it is even more important that There are very few careers out there today that don t require some kind of computer knowledge. students graduate with a good working knowledge of computers and other relevant technology. This will make them more marketable in the job force. A strong background in computers, either as a degree or practical application, will put someone in a more marketable position when job hunting. A well-rounded education today must include technology, and it is up to the schools to provide the tools. It is up to the students to make sure they choose a school that best fits their needs. n To check out a list of frequently asked questions and tips about computers on our campus, go to Academics 15

16 Faculty Profile: Dr. Tim Palmbach Positions: Associate professor of Forensic Science in UNH s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences; Director of the Forensic Science Department Education: BS/MS, Forensic Science from the University of New Haven, JD from the University of Connecticut An Advisor and a Mentor We have realized how challenging our curriculum is, particularly for freshmen. That is why we are committed to being there with them and helping them throughout the process. I make an effort to attend all of the programs for prospective students and guide them through a successful first-year program that includes our Forensic Science Living and Learning Communities as well as our Chemistry & Math Enhancement Program. The reality of UNH is that our faculty members are heavily engaged in academic advisement and the success of our students. Our faculty members are also engaged in the field, doing private case work all over the world, and oftentimes engage our students in real cases, with real evidence, and real problems. Get Involved The students who do well here are not always the best and brightest academically. They are the ones who are fully engaged in the campus community, getting involved in campus clubs and organizations and staying on campus for events and programs. These students do very well academically. I encourage students to participate in outside programs, meeting a very diverse group of people through diverse interactions. Fun Facts I am a father of three, and my family life is my greatest joy. I have one child in college, with two knocking on the door. It s good to see college from the other side of the desk. My true passions are anything to do with water. I enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing whatever. Thanks to my job and career choices, I have had the chance to travel the world. I have been to China, Peru, Italy, and Bosnia, to name a few. Around campus I am affectionately known as Major or The Major. In my past career I held the sworn rank of Major from the Connecticut Department of Public Safety. n STUDENT Profile: Zack Rosen 10 Student Life Hometown: Milford, Connecticut Major: Music and sound recording Graduation Year: 2010 Making the Transition Transitioning to college was actually a rather interesting experience for me, since I lived so close. By choosing to live on campus my freshman year, I was able to start my presence on campus as if my hometown weren t right down the street. Commuting for the following years didn t affect me because of the strong relationships I made during my freshman year. A Personal Education Classroom size at UNH is much better than at any other school I have visited. The largest class I have ever been in had just under 70 students, and that was for the (only!) lecture hall on campus. Since that introductory course, every other class has had an average of students in it. Get Involved Grades are certainly an important aspect of college, but if there were one thing I couldn t stress enough, it would be to get out and get involved. Whatever you do, it will not only look good in your résumé, but you will learn something about yourself by doing it. An Education for Life The thing I have learned most here at UNH has been how to connect and work with others. There are so many different kinds of people here that you re pretty much forced to work with people that you may not even get along with. This is an incredibly important skill that many do not have, and one that I will take with me after graduating. Student Facts Campus involvement: I am the current assistant editor of our campus newspaper, The Charger Bulletin, and have been appointed the editor-inchief for next year. I am part of the management team at WNHU, our campus radio station (voted No. 1 in Connecticut for multiple years), and I am also a radio personality and host for two shows on the station. I am the president of the UNH College Democrats and a member of SCOPE, our student-run planning group. Future plans: My future plans include working sound and tech for a theater or other musical venue. My experience in the beautiful recording studios on UNH s campus will undoubtedly help me with my future plans and goals. Favorite school tradition: Spring Weekend! SCOPE organizes a fantastic weekend every year with food, music, prizes, and so much more. n 16