Archive for the ‘Majors and Minors’ Category
15 Most Artistically Inclined Colleges and Universities
Are you the type of person who sees a white wall and gets instantly inspired to paint a mural? Or, while you’re supposed to be paying attention to your teacher talking about the fall of the United States economy and our sad plummet from world power, do you happen to be snapping your fingers to the song you’re silently writing in your head? Or, when your mother asks, “Why in the world are you banging your head against the wall?” you respond with solemn remorse that it’s your desperate attempt to rid of your writer’s block so you can finish your Samuel Beckett-inspired one man puppet play once and for all!?
Then perhaps these schools are for you. The Daily Beast produced this list of colleges and universities that are the most creatively inclined.
The rankings were drawn based on how imaginative the schools’ student bodies are, the creative atmosphere the colleges foster, and the percentage of students majoring in visual or performing arts as well as the number of official campus clubs with artistic missions.
1. California Institute of the Arts
5. Mannes Colleges (The New School)
8. University of Southern California
10. Vassar College
12. Kenyon College
14. Whitman College
Are you an artistically inclined student? What schools are you looking into?
14 Colleges Most Likely to Lead to Our Future Politicians
Sure, we’ve all had that childhood dream of being President of the United States, but after that stint as secretary of [fill in your high school's name]‘s student council, you’ve realized the reality of public office is far too big a burden to continue after this year’s prom streamers are up.
So who in their right minds actually want to take on the crazy responsibility and bear the weight of so much public scrutiny? The Daily Beast recently published a list of the colleges and universities with the most significant precedence for turning their students into great (or at least assist in further instilling the delusions of greatness) leaders of state and country.
Here are the top 14 colleges and universities most likely to “create” our future politicians:
Can you guess which U.S. presidents came from each university?
1. Harvard University
Presidents: 8
State Senators: 12
State Representatives: 21
2. Yale University
Presidents: 5
State Senators: 9
State Representatives: 9
3. Georgetown University
Presidents: 2
State Senators: 6
State Representatives: 11
4. Stanford University
Presidents: 3
State Senators: 6
State Representatives: 7
5. UCLA
Presidents: 0
State Senators: 1
State Representatives: 12
6. University of Texas at Austin
Presidents: 0
State Senators: 1
State Representatives: 11
7. University of Michigan
Presidents: 1
State Senators: 1
State Representatives: 9
8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Presidents: 1
State Senators: 0
State Representatives: 10
9. George Washington University
Presidents: 0
State Senators: 5
State Representatives: 5
10. Columbia University
Presidents: 3
State Senators: 1
State Representatives: 5
11. United State Military Academy
Presidents: 2
State Senators: 2
State Representatives: 5
12. University of Georgia
Presidents: 0
State Senators: 2
State Representatives: 7
13. Princeton University
Presidents: 2
State Senators: 1
State Representatives: 5
14. Duke University
Presidents: 1
State Senators: 1
State Representatives: 6
Can you name a president, state senator, state representative from one of these schools? Leave a comment below!
Comments: 1 Comment »
Friday College Town Hall
In Friday College Town Hall, we post a question about college, and you leave an answer in the comment field.
Today’s question:
A new study shows that 28% of students didn’t score high enough to meet any of the ACT standards for expected college success.
How well can a standardized test predict college success? Do schools need to improve or do the tests need to change?
Leave your answer in the comments below or tweet at @Cappex to chime in (we’ll post your answer below)!
Comments: 18 Comments »
7 Back to School iOS Apps for College Students
“When I was your age, we had to walk 5 miles in sheets of freezing rain, up and down mountains, and past the hungry gazes of wild bears just to get to school! Now you have your iPhones, and Internets, and hover crafts! What’s the matter with you kids?”
[youtube width="300" height="243"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wCXr_6wgns[/youtube]
Sure, things have changed since Great Uncle Wilfred went to school. For one thing, even your parents probably didn’t have Internet at their disposal when they were your age, let alone any kind of smartphone. If you have the technology at your fingers tips, why not take advantage of it? There are some especially great back to school iOS apps that would be super helpful for college students.
Here’s our list of 7 (almost all free) back to school apps:
1. Amazon Student
Cost: free
What it does: Amazon Student helps you save money on textbooks by allowing you to compare the prices of your campus bookstore with Amazon’s. When you’re done with the books, you can use the app to help sell it back with free shipping for students!
2. AroundMe
Cost: free
What it does: New to campus? The AroundMe app locates the nearest banks, hospitals, gas stations, taxi companies, restaurants, etc.
3. Dictionary & Thesaurus
Cost: $2.99
What it does: Much better than toting around a big tome or even your laptop, having access to a dictionary and thesaurus wherever you go is key. Plus, you will never be lost for words, or, words for words.
4. Documents to Go
Cost:$9.99
What it does: Realize you wrote “Ass Water” instead of “Add Water” to your lab report? With Docs to Go you can edit and share Word (.doc and .docx), PowerPoint, and PDFs! Fret no more!
5. Free Graphing Calculator
Cost: free (graphing calculator)
What it does: With this app, save your $100 from buying a Ti83. Just download this app and graph away my child, graph away!
6. Grades 2
Cost: free
What it does: Sometimes teachers, actually, a lot of times, teachers don’t let you know what your grade for the semester’s looking like. This little app helps you calculate what your grade will be, and it even let’s you know what grade you’ll need on certain assignments to get that elusive A.
7. Snoozerr
Cost: $0.99
What it does: Even your most interesting lectures aren’t safe from your need to party on Thursday night leaving you with barely any sleep. So if you’re worried about falling asleep in class, this app is a lifesaver! It records your lectures and includes a time-stamped function that links pictures you take on the board with that part of the lecture.
And remember, if you’re still looking for scholarships in college you can sign in to Cappex’s mobile site from you r phone! Just go to Cappex.com and take
Do you have any favorite apps? Leave a comment below!
Comments: 2 Comments »
5 Tips for Undecided Freshman Registering for Classes
If you’re a recent high school grad getting ready for college next fall, you probably cannot contain your excitement. College is the reason you’ve been working your butt off the last year and a half–and sometimes way longer. You’ve put blood, sweat and tears into your college applications (hopefully just metaphorically), and in just a couple of months you will finally reap the benefits of your hard work.
Often times, college freshman are so excited about just being in college that they lose sight of their academic aspirations. There’s so many other things to worry about–your living situation, new roommate, that guy down the hall who gave you some spare quarters so you could do a load of laundry, the 15 or so a capella groups you’re auditioning for, and not to mention the football game on Saturday.
So when it comes time to register for classes, you might be thinking the following thoughts:
What should I do? I gave this college classes thing no forethought. I’m never going to graduate. What do I want to do with my life?!
If that’s the case, here are 5 tips to help undecided freshman decide what they should register for their first semester:
1. Get your general education requirements out of the way
Most colleges and universities require that their students take a core curriculum. A lot of times, these classes might not have anything to do with your interest or major–English majors might have to take some quantitative reasoning and biology majors might have to take a a fine arts credit. Whether or not you know what you’re going to major in, getting your gen ed requirements out of the way is a great strategy. You don’t want to have to take a physics class you’ve been dreading your second semester senior year.
2. Follow your passions
Even if you’re not sure what you want to major in, you still have subjects you’re passionate about or at least enjoy. Chances are, your genuine interests will lead you to your field of study.
3. Choose by professor
Sometimes you don’t choose a class for the subject matter as much as you do because of the world renowned professor who teaches it. There might be a beloved or even quite famous and influential professor who teaches at your college that you have the opportunity to learn from!
4. Word of mouth
If you chat it up with upperclassman, your RA, friends of friends who go or have gone to your school, you might hear about a must-take class. It could be super interesting, it could be a great way to get a gen ed credit taken care of, just keep your ears open for what students are saying.
5. The “cool” factor
While browsing through your college’s course catalog, you might come across a class that makes you say, “Woah, they teach that here?” It could be a class about the Beatles, Harry Potter or even Star Wars. You never know! If you’re undecided, following what piques your interest is a great way to get started.
Do you have any tips for undecided college freshman? Comment and share!
Comments: 1 Comment »
7 Weird College Majors You Could Study
Do words like business, philosophy, chemistry, literature, communications etc. just make you bored and want to fall asleep? Then you might want to take your college aspirations to a university that offers a different kind of major.
Take a look at these 7 out of the ordinary college majors:
1. Bowling Industry Management
This is what we’d call a turkey of a major. Learn to bowl without bumpers at Vincennes University.
2. Canadian Studies
This really shouldn’t be that weird, but it is! When have you ever learned anything about Canada in a class? It’s actually kind of sad. If this brings a sweet maple tear down your cheek, enroll now at SUNY Plattsburgh.
3. Professional Nanny
Thinking about a theater major? This would be the perfect minor to pair with it from Sullivan University. If you write some diaries, you might even get a movie deal where Scarlett Johansson plays you!
4. Poultry Science
Bawk, bawk bawk. You are not a chicken if you leave with a degree from North Carolina State University in poultry science. You are our hero.
5. Bagpipes
It always seems like there’s one sole bagpiper marching by his lonely self on a misty hillside after the morning rain. Join his cause and the bagpipe revolution at Carnegie Mellon University.
6. The Beatles
At the Liverpool Hope University, instead of yellow school busses they have yellow submarines and instead of normal school weeks, classes are 8 days a week. Does this sound up your alley (or Abbey Road?).
7. Sports ministry
Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi offers the dream degree for folks who love youth sports and want to be ministers. It’s a combo degree that sounds like holy home run!
Is there a college major you wish existed? Comment and let us know!
Comments: 1 Comment »
4 Ways to Graduate College in 4 Years or Less
Have you met Slow Joe? He’s that friendly guy on campus who says “hi” to everybody and who you see at every party but never at the library. Oh, and according to legend, he’s been in school since ’96.
College is great. But the debt you’ll accumulate paying for all those years of fun without getting your degree is not worth it–unless you’re an heir or heiress to a billion dollar oil company.
Graduating in 4 years or less is most definitely possible, and here some tips to make sure you can do it:
1. Decide on a major
A lot of schools, guidance counselors and older friends will tell you that you should take your sweet time choosing a major. The truth is, while it might take some time to realize what it is you really want to study, the earlier you figure it out, the sooner you can you complete the courses you’ll need to graduate. The later you decide on the major, the less time you have to complete those courses by graduation.
Check out our article about why you should declare a major now.
2. Wean off of the party scene
Chances are, the more you party, the less time you’ll be studying. It’s a simple law of science–I’m pretty sure Einstein discovered that relationship. The party scene at school can be fun, especially since it’s your first real taste of independence. But once you’ve had your taste, get back to the books. Partying can take a huge toll on the work you’re able to complete and classes you’ll be able to pass.
3. Sit down with an advisor
Once you decide your major, make an appointment with an advisor to help you plan out each of your semesters. A college advisor will help you make sure all of your requirements will be covered by the time you want to graduate. Stick to the plan, you’ll be sure to graduate on time or earlier.
4. Study abroad wisely
Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the world. If this is something you want to do, make sure 100% that all of the abroad program credits transfer to your school. One of the ways to makes sure of this is to go with a program that your school recommends or is partnered with. Again, meeting with an advisor can help you find the right program that will work towards your major.
Do you have any other words of wisdom for graduating in 4 years or less? Comment and share!
Comments: 2 Comments »
3 Ways to Get your Degree and Avoid Crazy College Debt
A recent article from WalletPop says that college debt is worse than ever right now. As college tuition drastically increases and graduates overestimate their annual incomes post-college, recent grads are left with heaps of student loan debt that they can’t just discharge in bankruptcy.
So, what are ways to avoid getting caught in this messy web of debt? For one, you can try to avoid it in the first place with these measures:
1. Scholarships Scholarships Scholarships
One of the easiest and best ways to avoid student loan debt is to find scholarships. Apply to as many scholarships as you are eligible for because you have nothing to lose. Scholarship money is good money because you don’t have to pay it back–no interest, no nothing! If you make a Cappex profile, you will be matched to all the scholarships in the database you are eligible for–start there!
2. Choose a Practical Major
If you are losing sleep at night about paying off your student loans, then maybe it’s time for a major change. Yes, that was a pun. We are strong believers that you should follow your passions in life, but if the idea of paying off your student loans is causing premature wrinkles on your forehead, you might consider a college degree that is more likely to land you a job. We did a post on college degrees to land a job earlier, and some of those degrees included:
Registered nursing
Accounting
Computer software engineering
and plenty more here.
3. 1-2 Years Community College
The 1-2 year community college trend is becoming increasingly popular as college tuition is on the rise. Community college might not be your dream school, but spending a few semesters taking care of prerequisites at a community college can save you tons of money on tuition. Just make sure to double check that there’s an articulation agreement with the 4-year university you plan on eventually attending.
One example is the articulation agreement that the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) has with Oakton Community College. Students who take their first two years of college at Oakton and earn Associate of Arts and Science degrees are guaranteed admission to IIT. Students who want to take advantage of this program need to apply for it before they start their freshman year and meet minimum academic standards. The program saves students $40,000 over two years.
You can read more about how a year or more of community college can help you save on college here (go to page 19).
Do you have any tips on avoiding college debt? Comment and let us know!
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Which College Degrees Will Get You A College Graduate Job?
Times are tough and getting a job is even tougher.
Does having a college degree give you a better chance of getting a job?
Yes.
But, according to Course Hero’s recent blog post, graduates with certain majors are more likely to land a job than others. You can see from Course Hero how folks with undergraduate degrees are less exposed to unemployment here:
So, now you ask, “What should I major in so that I can get a job after college?”
We’re not going to tell you what you should do. After all, you should follow a path that interests you, but, if any of these careers fits your interest, you’re in luck. These careers are going through a growth spurt like a 13-year-old boy:
Registered nurses
Accountants and auditors
Post-secondary teachers
Elementary teachers
Computer software engineers
Network systems and data communications analysts
Dental hygienists
Medical scientists
Physicians assistants
Veterinary technologists and technicians
Veterinarians
Skin care specialists
Biomedical engineers
Financial examiners
Biochemists and biophysicists
Athletic trainers
If studying to become a registered nurse, accountant or one of these other jobs means less a chance for unemployment, would you do it?
And if you need some advice on choosing your career, check out some of Cappex’s words of wisdom on the subject here!
Comments: 1 Comment »
Where Do Video Game Designers Go to College?
Is Azeroth your home away from home? Do you find yourself addicted to fighting wars that ended in 1945? Or do you have a VIP pass to the local go-kart facility where you shoot turtle shells at your competitors? If your answer to any of these question is “yes,” you might have a serious passion for video games.
Your mom has probably told you a few times too many to put down your controller and do some homework because you can’t grow up to be a professional video gamer. Well, maybe you actually can. Video gaming is a huge industry, and it needs people to create its games. There are undergraduate college programs where you can study how to design games, and there are scholarships for people who want to design video games as well!
Gamepro.com recently published the Princeton Review’s top 10 schools undergraduate video design schools and colleges. Here’s what they said were the best schools and colleges for learning how to design video games:
1. University of Southern California
2. University of Utah
3. DigiPen Institute of Technology
4. Art Institute of Vancouver
5. Michigan State University
6. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
7. Drexel University
8. Champlain College
9. Rochester Institute of Technology
10. Becker College
Comments: 1 Comment »
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