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Showing posts with label graduate school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graduate school. Show all posts
Friday, December 5, 2014
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
#SoCanU: From teen mom with two kids to mom with two master's degrees
What is your current job?
I work as a Generalist Counselor at Mt. San Jacinto College.
Favorite thing to do on the weekends?
My favorite weekends are when I get to go wakeboarding in Mexico. Also, I love to be in the sun hanging out by the pool with friends and family.
Favorite food/meal?
I love all types of food but especially Italian.
What made you decide to choose community college?
I graduated from a pregnant teen school and I was first generation student. I didn’t know much about going to college so I chose a college that was close to home. I had to work and take care of two small children so the community college was convenient plus it was inexpensive. At the time, I didn’t know there were financial resources for college students.
Were there any obstacles in your life prior to attending community college that you had to overcome?
Having two children by the time I was nineteen and having to work two jobs while going to school was very difficult.
Also, I struggled with reading and writing so I had to build the foundation. I took remedial courses in college to improve my reading and writing skills.
What obstacles did you overcome in community college and/or in your transfer university to achieve your degree?
There were a lot of sleepless nights, car problems and troubles finding a babysitter. I would study when my children went to sleep.
As far as my car, I had to have people push start it for me or park it on a hill. It was awful. I worked extra hours to buy a newer car.
I also had difficulties finding a babysitter but no matter how difficult it got I would find a way to get to school. My mother always stated, “If there is a will there is a way,” which encouraged me.
What is one of the most important things that helped you succeed in community college and beyond?
I had a counselor who was my mentor. She believed in me along the way. She always encouraged me and when I doubted myself she was there for me. Also, if I didn’t have my parents and friends’ support, I do not think that I would have ever made it through college.
What are you most excited about for your future right now?
I really enjoy my career. I wake up excited to go to work and help community college students.
What is the best piece of advice you can give our readers who are currently attending community college?
Believe in yourself, you can do anything that you set your mind to. Even when difficulties come, if you stay focused and never give up, you will accomplish your goal.
I think it is very important to connect with a mentor and develop a support system. Also, you should surround yourself with people who believe that you can accomplish your educational goals.
Monday, November 4, 2013
How to study for the GRE
You may have noticed I've been a bit MIA on the blog recently and I wanted to tell you why:
I recently retook the GRE. And I want to share with you some tips for doing well and raising your score.
I first took the GRE a few years ago before I was admitted to my Master's program. When I finished my M.Ed I felt like I was so DONE with school. A doctorate? Five years? No, not for me.
And then, about a year later, I started missing school desperately. And I found an incredible doctoral program at an ivy league that only required three years and covered full tuition.
I decided to apply for next Fall 2014.
However, aside from my writing score, my GRE scores were not close to the average of the previous incoming class that the university's graduate website reported. I was going to be applying to one of the most selective schools in the world, and thus I knew I was going to have to prepare for a standardized test like I'd never prepared in my life.
I learned a ton throughout the process these past two months (and was able to raise my scores to the ivy league level for the first time in my life!), and I wanted to pass on that knowledge to you as I get so many e-mails from many of you who're interested in going to graduate school.
So below are the things I did that helped me raise my scores and (hopefully) qualify to get into the doctorate of my dreams. I hope some of these things can help you do the same.
1) Research GRE requirements: Every graduate program has different requirements; some don't even require the GRE! Do your research first and identify your target score. The best way to find out for sure is to talk to an admissions counselor for the program you're interested in.
2) Register for the test: Ask the admissions counselor when the GRE scores are due for your application and then register to take your test at least a month or two before that date. If you are ahead of the game, try to take it as early as possible to give yourself room to retake it if needed (keep in mind you have to wait a few weeks between retakes). Also leave yourself at least a month or two to study.
3) Buy study materials with practice tests: This is the time to invest and I think it's absolutely worth it. The ETS website offers some great free resources, but I also recommend getting other resources or perhaps signing up for a class if that's right for you. I purchased and loved the Kaplan GRE book, the ETS GRE book, and the Kaplan vocabulary flash cards.
4) Schedule A LOT of time for studying: Studying for a standardized test requires a lot of time because you have to study a lot of things that may not be on the test. Since you don't know exactly what is going to be on the test, you have to study everything. That takes time, and the time spent will pay off. Dedicate time into your schedule; it will require making some short-term sacrifices in your schedule to find the time. (I probably studied about 75 hours.)
5) Divide your studying into manageable chunks: I dedicated the entire month of October to studying for the GRE (I scheduled my test for October 31, for an application due December 13). With about 30 days to study, I divided the 5 practice tests I received with my books throughout the week and scheduled them in my calendar. I also took the 500 words, divided them by 30 days, and memorized just those words each day.
6) Tell people: I was nervous to tell people at first, for fear I would fail. But I knew I had to take the advice I give students, so I started telling people, and while it was scary, I knew I had to be accountable; it encouraged me to stick with my study plan.
7) Take practice tests: I learned the most by taking practice tests and then going over the answers I missed. Take as many as possible and dedicate the time to go over the answers.
8) Identify your strongest area: After you take your first practice test identify your strongest area and focus on studying to improve your weakest areas. My strongest area is writing, so all I did to prepare for the essay portion was read the sample perfect-score essays to get an idea of tone. I focused 65% of my time on math and the other 35% on vocabulary.
9) Meet with a tutor/friend for help: Ask for help in your weakest areas. I'm lucky to be married to a math whiz so I was able to get free tutoring. Find someone who can help you figure out the problems that the book alone can't explain well. If writing isn't your strongest area, have people read your essays to get help.
10) Be strategic: Think about what your graduate program requires; for example, I know the one I'm applying for isn't focused at all on math, which was good for me because my math scores were still struggling. I knew that while I could get my math scores to the bare minimum, they weren't going to be impressive. That is why, though I was very good at the Verbal section, I still focused heavily on studying for it. I decided if I could get almost perfect scores in Verbal and Writing it would overshadow my average math score. This paid off big time as I was able to take my verbal score from a percentile rank in the 70's to the 90's.
11) Get creative: Have fun with your studying as much as possible and find ways to work with the material; staring at a book alone will not work. I entered the vocab words I kept struggling with into Quizlet, as well as found GRE flash cards others had made. I loved playing Scatter with them and doing the practice tests.
12) Relax: Do not study the night before the test or the day of. Plan to have a nice dinner, a healthy breakfast, and then relax. Listen to your favorite music on the drive to the test. Wear a comfortable but nice outfit that gives you confidence. Breathe. Know that all of your studying will pay off. And that, in the end, it's just a test. It doesn't define you.
Please share any of your tips on the Facebook page, and best of luck in your graduate plans! It's quite an adventure.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Ask Isa: "Will a 'W' affect my transfer prospects?
Below is a question I received in the Ask Isa inbox:
Hi Isa!
This is my first year at my community college and I have been so lucky to meet mentors and faculty members who have helped me recognize my academic goals, as well as having the opportunity to be a part of my honor society and student government.
First semester, I tried to juggle everything, from academic work to extra-curricular activities and I can honestly say I did a pretty god job because I got a 3.7 and made it on the deans list!
However, this semester is almost over and I've been feeling overwhelmed with the workload I have to handle. Somehow I lost my ability to equally balance what I do, which was putting me in danger of passing my Econ class with an A.
I have a 3.7 now and the school I want to transfer to requires a GPA in the range of 3.7 or above.
Yesterday was the last day to drop a class with a W, and I am so ashamed to say this but I dropped the class. ;(
It is such a horrible feeling, I've never done this before, but I just figured I could retake it and get the A. Now I am worried that if the schools I want to transfer to see that W I may not get accepted.
From your knowledge, does this affect one when transferring to a four year school or graduate school? Would this decrease ones chances from getting into a four year school and graduate school after that?
Sincerely,
Distressed and apprehensive
Dear Distressed and apprehensive,
Since I've never been an academic advisor or admissions counselor I'm not the expert when it comes to this particular question, but I wanted to make sure it got answered because I think it's an important one.
I found someone on LinkedIn who was willing to help - Brandi, the Coordinator of Transfer Recruitment and Special Events for Enrollment Services at Mississippi College.
Here is what she had to say:
"Most four year universities mainly look at the overall GPA of the student's college work before they transfer into their institution.
"We usually do not look at each individual class and see how the student did. We understand that you may have some tougher classes than others so we do not hold that against you.
"W's on a student's transcript are not a big factor to us. Academic Suspension or Academic Probation on the other hand is something that universities do not like seeing on a prospective student's transcript."
I hope that helps.
As you continue, be sure to constantly monitor your work load. Sometimes something does need to go (though in the future ideally that would be extra-curriculuars or a job before classes).
Keep asking these questions of the mentors you've met and seek their advice when you're feeling overwhelmed. Also, be sure to talk to the professor to ask for advice on what you need to do better next time in order to ace the class.
Best of luck. I can tell you are going to rock your transfer university, graduate school, and anything else you set your mind too. Never stop asking for help.
And a huge thank you to Brandi! If any other college administrators are reading this and would like to share advice too please do so in the comments section. Thank you!
Have a question about college or career that you'd like to see answered on the blog? Submit it in the anonymous Ask Isa inbox. :)
Hi Isa!
This is my first year at my community college and I have been so lucky to meet mentors and faculty members who have helped me recognize my academic goals, as well as having the opportunity to be a part of my honor society and student government.
First semester, I tried to juggle everything, from academic work to extra-curricular activities and I can honestly say I did a pretty god job because I got a 3.7 and made it on the deans list!
However, this semester is almost over and I've been feeling overwhelmed with the workload I have to handle. Somehow I lost my ability to equally balance what I do, which was putting me in danger of passing my Econ class with an A.
I have a 3.7 now and the school I want to transfer to requires a GPA in the range of 3.7 or above.
Yesterday was the last day to drop a class with a W, and I am so ashamed to say this but I dropped the class. ;(
It is such a horrible feeling, I've never done this before, but I just figured I could retake it and get the A. Now I am worried that if the schools I want to transfer to see that W I may not get accepted.
From your knowledge, does this affect one when transferring to a four year school or graduate school? Would this decrease ones chances from getting into a four year school and graduate school after that?
Sincerely,
Distressed and apprehensive
Dear Distressed and apprehensive,
Since I've never been an academic advisor or admissions counselor I'm not the expert when it comes to this particular question, but I wanted to make sure it got answered because I think it's an important one.
I found someone on LinkedIn who was willing to help - Brandi, the Coordinator of Transfer Recruitment and Special Events for Enrollment Services at Mississippi College.
Here is what she had to say:
"Most four year universities mainly look at the overall GPA of the student's college work before they transfer into their institution.
"We usually do not look at each individual class and see how the student did. We understand that you may have some tougher classes than others so we do not hold that against you.
"W's on a student's transcript are not a big factor to us. Academic Suspension or Academic Probation on the other hand is something that universities do not like seeing on a prospective student's transcript."
I hope that helps.
As you continue, be sure to constantly monitor your work load. Sometimes something does need to go (though in the future ideally that would be extra-curriculuars or a job before classes).
Keep asking these questions of the mentors you've met and seek their advice when you're feeling overwhelmed. Also, be sure to talk to the professor to ask for advice on what you need to do better next time in order to ace the class.
Best of luck. I can tell you are going to rock your transfer university, graduate school, and anything else you set your mind too. Never stop asking for help.
And a huge thank you to Brandi! If any other college administrators are reading this and would like to share advice too please do so in the comments section. Thank you!
Have a question about college or career that you'd like to see answered on the blog? Submit it in the anonymous Ask Isa inbox. :)
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Ask Isa: Does prestige matter when choosing a college?
Below is a question from the anonymous Ask Isa inbox. Feel free to share your advice with this student in the comments section, and as always you can submit your own question to the Ask Isa column.
Question:
Hi Isa,
I'm thinking about pursuing a career in business, and this is my second semester at my community college. I'm taking my General Education requirements now, and a few core businesses classes such as math and economics.
So far these classes meet the requirements for my reach schools, UC Berkley and the University of Southern California (USC), and my back up school: California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo (SLO).
I have read that it is less likely to get into graduate school with a degree from a California State University (i.e.SLO) rather from a UC.
Financially, I'd prefer to go to SLO because the cost is WAY less than the cost of a UC, however I don't want this to hurt my chances of getting a job in the future.
It just seems that UC's and private schools have more prestige over California State Universities. I still have a couple of semesters left to complete my requirements, I just want to have a clear path of what I am going to do so that I'll be motivated to accomplish my goal.
Any advice?
Sincerely,
Overwhelmed CC freshman
My answer:
Dear Overwhelmed CC freshman,
Huge kudos to you for thinking about your path now, as a freshman. That will pay off big time - because you are right, having a path will keep you motivated. The more research you do about your direction in college the better.
I live in Florida and am not an expert on the California college system, so my first piece of advice is to ask this question of someone who is. Meet with an advisor at your community college, admissions officers at all of the colleges you are considering, and any professors who went to the colleges you are considering.
Share your dilemma with them honestly and ask for their advice. Take as much advice as you can and then think about what sounds like the best path for you.
When it comes to figuring out the best college to help you get a job, I recommend seeking out someone in your local area who has a job that interests you in business, and ideally who has also gone to a graduate school that interests you. Ask him or her for advice and listen closely.
The best way to choose a path with the end result in mind is to talk to people who have gotten to the place you want to be and find out what they did. They will be more than happy to help you if you just reach out.
What I've learned from going to community college and meeting many successful people is that where you go to college matters much less than how much work you put into it - and how much networking you do.
You're on the right track! :)
Sincerely,
Isa
Question:
Hi Isa,
I'm thinking about pursuing a career in business, and this is my second semester at my community college. I'm taking my General Education requirements now, and a few core businesses classes such as math and economics.
So far these classes meet the requirements for my reach schools, UC Berkley and the University of Southern California (USC), and my back up school: California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo (SLO).
I have read that it is less likely to get into graduate school with a degree from a California State University (i.e.SLO) rather from a UC.
Financially, I'd prefer to go to SLO because the cost is WAY less than the cost of a UC, however I don't want this to hurt my chances of getting a job in the future.
It just seems that UC's and private schools have more prestige over California State Universities. I still have a couple of semesters left to complete my requirements, I just want to have a clear path of what I am going to do so that I'll be motivated to accomplish my goal.
Any advice?
Sincerely,
Overwhelmed CC freshman
My answer:
Dear Overwhelmed CC freshman,
Huge kudos to you for thinking about your path now, as a freshman. That will pay off big time - because you are right, having a path will keep you motivated. The more research you do about your direction in college the better.
I live in Florida and am not an expert on the California college system, so my first piece of advice is to ask this question of someone who is. Meet with an advisor at your community college, admissions officers at all of the colleges you are considering, and any professors who went to the colleges you are considering.
Share your dilemma with them honestly and ask for their advice. Take as much advice as you can and then think about what sounds like the best path for you.
When it comes to figuring out the best college to help you get a job, I recommend seeking out someone in your local area who has a job that interests you in business, and ideally who has also gone to a graduate school that interests you. Ask him or her for advice and listen closely.
The best way to choose a path with the end result in mind is to talk to people who have gotten to the place you want to be and find out what they did. They will be more than happy to help you if you just reach out.
What I've learned from going to community college and meeting many successful people is that where you go to college matters much less than how much work you put into it - and how much networking you do.
You're on the right track! :)
Sincerely,
Isa
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
7 ways to pay for graduate school
I never thought I could go to graduate school.
For me, graduate school was for "other" people. "Rich" people. "Academic" people. Doctors. Laywers. Professors. Not someone like me...
But then I won the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship and all of that changed. I fell to my knees and cried my eyes out because for the first time in my life I had realized I was holding myself back.
Sure, it was easy for me to realize it was possible because in a moment it was paid for - but I cried at the knowledge that I could have gone to graduate school no matter what. I could have made it happen if I wanted it too. If only I believed I could.
If you're like me and are the first in your family to attend college, graduate school can seem even more daunting and impossible. And yes, it can seem like too much money, and in some cases, going to graduate school doesn't guarantee making more money.
But I want you to know that if you want to go to grad school, or if it's a little dream in the back of your head that seems impossible or unaffordable, it's not.
Below are seven ways you can go to graduate school for incredible cheap or even free!
1. Fellowships/Teaching Assistantships: Search the graduate section of the college website and click on any information they provide about fellowships or teaching assistantships and the application process (it is usually a separate process from your admissions application). If you can't find the information online, contact a graduate admissions counselor. These programs allow you to work for the college in the classroom (or doing research) and have it cover most or all of your tuition (similar to work-study, but more focused on your subject area).
2. Programs where acceptance covers tuition: Some graduate programs allow you to attend for free if you get accepted, such as Harvard's E.D.L.D.
3. AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps is a volunteer program that provides a financial education award, as well as living expenses and a stipend during service. They place you with non-profits across the country. I'm not an expert on this but the people I've met who've done it are incredible! Check out AmeriCorps.gov to learn more.
4. Teach for America: Teach for America is a program that pays new teachers to serve in low-income areas. You will get a salary while teaching and an educational award.
5. McNair: The McNair Scholars Program is a branch of the TRiO program, which serves first generation students. Check this list to see if your undergraduate institution has a McNair Scholars Program. McNair prepares undergraduates to gain acceptance to graduate school. The McNair website also has a great comprehensive list of graduate funding opportunities at institutions across the country, categorized by discipline.
6. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation: The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship currently allows for scholars to "reapply" after they receive their undergraduate degree to win a $50,000 graduate award. You do not compete against others, but only your previous record. JKC also awards $50,000/year graduate scholarships in the arts, as well as a dissertation fellowship.
7. Work for a college or company that covers tuition: Once you've received your Bachelor's degree, you can consider working full-time at a college or company that covers college tuition. Many companies will do this if you are pursuing a degree in their industry. You can also check out job openings at the college's where you'd like to attend graduate school, as most colleges and universities allow their employees to take classes tuition-free.
There are endless options. If you decide it's something you want, then let nothing stop you, especially money. You can do it!
For me, graduate school was for "other" people. "Rich" people. "Academic" people. Doctors. Laywers. Professors. Not someone like me...
But then I won the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship and all of that changed. I fell to my knees and cried my eyes out because for the first time in my life I had realized I was holding myself back.
Sure, it was easy for me to realize it was possible because in a moment it was paid for - but I cried at the knowledge that I could have gone to graduate school no matter what. I could have made it happen if I wanted it too. If only I believed I could.
If you're like me and are the first in your family to attend college, graduate school can seem even more daunting and impossible. And yes, it can seem like too much money, and in some cases, going to graduate school doesn't guarantee making more money.
But I want you to know that if you want to go to grad school, or if it's a little dream in the back of your head that seems impossible or unaffordable, it's not.
Below are seven ways you can go to graduate school for incredible cheap or even free!
1. Fellowships/Teaching Assistantships: Search the graduate section of the college website and click on any information they provide about fellowships or teaching assistantships and the application process (it is usually a separate process from your admissions application). If you can't find the information online, contact a graduate admissions counselor. These programs allow you to work for the college in the classroom (or doing research) and have it cover most or all of your tuition (similar to work-study, but more focused on your subject area).
2. Programs where acceptance covers tuition: Some graduate programs allow you to attend for free if you get accepted, such as Harvard's E.D.L.D.
3. AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps is a volunteer program that provides a financial education award, as well as living expenses and a stipend during service. They place you with non-profits across the country. I'm not an expert on this but the people I've met who've done it are incredible! Check out AmeriCorps.gov to learn more.
4. Teach for America: Teach for America is a program that pays new teachers to serve in low-income areas. You will get a salary while teaching and an educational award.
5. McNair: The McNair Scholars Program is a branch of the TRiO program, which serves first generation students. Check this list to see if your undergraduate institution has a McNair Scholars Program. McNair prepares undergraduates to gain acceptance to graduate school. The McNair website also has a great comprehensive list of graduate funding opportunities at institutions across the country, categorized by discipline.
6. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation: The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship currently allows for scholars to "reapply" after they receive their undergraduate degree to win a $50,000 graduate award. You do not compete against others, but only your previous record. JKC also awards $50,000/year graduate scholarships in the arts, as well as a dissertation fellowship.
7. Work for a college or company that covers tuition: Once you've received your Bachelor's degree, you can consider working full-time at a college or company that covers college tuition. Many companies will do this if you are pursuing a degree in their industry. You can also check out job openings at the college's where you'd like to attend graduate school, as most colleges and universities allow their employees to take classes tuition-free.
There are endless options. If you decide it's something you want, then let nothing stop you, especially money. You can do it!
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