Saturday, November 21, 2009

THE IECA CONFERENCE IN CHARLOTTE, NC







The 2nd week in November I attended the IECA Fall Conference. There were numerous educational and networking opportunities. The School Showcase sessions gave me the opportunity to become acquainted with 14 boarding schools and 12 colleges in the Southeastern region of the U.S. I also attended a financial aid workshop that gave insight into the psychology of money and how it relates to one's spending habits. It was very eye-opening.

There was a college/school fair in Conference Central. I definitely needed more time to visit the different representatives.

The member dinner was held at the Charlotte campus of Johnson & Wales. Right in the heart of downtown Charlotte, the student's prepared a delicious meal for us. Being a native Marylander, I do have to compliment them on their crabcakes. They were delic!!! Their state-of-the-art demonstration labs were amazing.

Prior to the official start of the conference there were school and college tours. Despite the torrents of rain and walking uphill in downhill streams of water, the day was worth the wading. This was the first time that I can ever remember my shoes virtually falling apart in the rain. I won't mention the brand, but they were growing on me as they fell apart.

The first school that I visited was Davidson. Situated in a lovely college town, this is truly one of the Southern elite schools. They have 1700 undergrads with 80% participating in volunteer work and/or study abroad. The Honor Code is an integral part of this campus. The Davidson Trust is making it possible for their graduates to complete their studies debt free. This is a truly amazing, one-of-a-kind opportunities that you will find at no other college.

UNC Charlotte is set among rolling hills in suburban Charlotte. They have 18,000 undergraduates with a representation from 46 states. The School of Architecture is one of only two available in a North Carolina state institution. The other program is at NC State. Recommendation letters and essays are NOT required with their application.

Queens University is situated in a lovely residential section of Charlotte. This Presbyterian college was originally founded as the female counterpart to Davidson. The population is 70% female. They alsways rank highly on the National Student Satisfaction Survey and the National Survey for Student Engagement. There are new buildings in the planning stages. Students with learning issues will find a very supportive atmosphere here.

Winthrop University is located in Rock Hill, SC, approximately 20 miles south of Charlotte. Founded as a women's state college it is now coed with 5,000 undergraduates. The President of this campus is a dynamic individual. This is one of a handful of state institutions that offer a learning environment that you would find at a private college. All of their programs are nationally accredited. They offer art, design, music, dance and theatre; as well as many other majors.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Tips to help stay focused when writing the essay for college applications

Tips to help stay focused when writing the essay for college applications

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Colleges that offer students a taste of the good life

Colleges that offer students a taste of the good life

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Read those college applications carefully

Read those college applications carefully

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4 basic ways to get into college

4 basic ways to get into college

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Top 10 College Application Mistakes - WWSB ABC 7 Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, North Port, Siesta Key Breaking News, Weather, Sports and Traffic on the Suncoast |

Top 10 College Application Mistakes - WWSB ABC 7 Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, North Port, Siesta Key Breaking News, Weather, Sports and Traffic on the Suncoast

College and Financial Aid: Myths and Facts

College and Financial Aid: Myths and Facts

Hidden college scholarships

Hidden college scholarships

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CollegeWeekLive Wraps Up Successful Fall Admissions Season

CollegeWeekLive Wraps Up Successful Fall Admissions Season

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Pros reveal six favorite college search websites

Pros reveal six favorite college search websites

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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

KYW Newsradio 1060 Philadelphia - 50 Colleges That Rival the Ivy League

KYW Newsradio 1060 Philadelphia - 50 Colleges That Rival the Ivy League

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The Top Factors Considered For College Admission - Auburn Journal

The Top Factors Considered For College Admission - Auburn Journal

A beginning tutorial on college financial aid

A beginning tutorial on college financial aid

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The Most Expensive U.S. Colleges: SEE The 10 Biggest Tuition Bills

The Most Expensive U.S. Colleges: SEE The 10 Biggest Tuition Bills

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Financial Aid

Who really gets financial aid for college? Do you get money only if you have minimum financial resources?

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/college-cash-101/2009/10/19/who-really-gets-the-most-college-financial-aid.html

The Test

How many times is too many to take the SAT? What is the outcome of the new Score Choice?

http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/65887317.html

Colleges want fresh answers to 'Why Us' essay - CharlotteObserver.com

Colleges want fresh answers to 'Why Us' essay - CharlotteObserver.com