Specialized Programs
Athletes
This information is intended for students who plan to continue athletics in college and might be recruited. If you wish to compete in college but have not yet heard from any coaches, the following is suggested:
Self-Assessment: Be honest with yourself about your abilities and potentials.
Talk with Others: Speak to your coach, counselors, and peers who have similar ability level.
Talk to your Coach: Ask your coach to contact colleges on your behalf.
Contact the college coaches directly. See "Additional Resources" in the back of this packet to view a sample letter to coaches.
Highlight your ability: Send an athletic resume and a five-minute video highlighting your strengths.
Beware of coaches' tactics: Please remember that it is the admissions committee, not coaches, who make the admissions decisions.
Students athletes who plan to attend NCAA Division I or II institutions or NAIA and participate in intercollegiate athletics need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center or NAIA eligibility Center. Utilize the following websites for detailed information regarding deadlines and registration forms.
NCAA: www.eligiilitycenter.org or NAIA: www.playnaia.com
Business Schools
Students who are interested in pursuing business may choose either to do a combined BA/MBA or a specialized BA program.
Schools:
- Indiana University Kelley School of Business
- Washington University Olin School of Business
- Babson College
- Bentley College
- Wharton
Co-Op Programs
Cooperative education is a structured educational strategy integrating classroom studies with learning through productive work experiences in a field related to a student's academic or career goals. It provides progressive experiences in integrating theory and practice. Co-op is a partnership among students, educational institutions and employers, with specified responsibilites for each party.
Schools:
- Drexel University
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- University of Cincinnati
- Johnson and Wales University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
Engineering
Most colleges offer general engineering programs. Students should research each school for information regarding specific programs and requirements. For example, a university may offer a program in computer science but not biomedical engineering. The following is a list of a few schools noted for engineering programs:
Schools:
- Harvey Mudd College
- California Institute of Technology
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Cooper Union
- Johns Hopkins University
- Georgia Tech
- Virginia Tech
Honors College
If you're looking for small classes, in-depth discussions, and an opportunity to get to know your professors, don't be surprised if your search takes you to a large public university. In an effort to recruit and retain top students, many large universities have created honors programs that go beyond a few special classes.
"Honors options at large public universities offer students several significant advantages: an opportunity to get a top-quality education at a reasonable cost, an academically challenging curriculum, generous scholarships, and special housing, "says Kerry Rosen, director of admissions for the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College at Florida Atlantic University.
Getting In and Staying In
Each honors program has its own entrance requirements, but in general, you need high grades and test scores. Some programs issue invitations to all incoming freshmen who meet their requirements; other programs require separate applications. High grades in your first year of college could also qualify you for some honors programs. To find out the specific entrance requirements for the honors program that interests you, call the college admission office or look for information on the college's website. Most honors programs also require participants to maintain above-average grades while in college to remain in the program.
Researching Honors Programs
Many universities have honors options. Call admission offices or visit college websites to find out whether the colleges that interest you offer honors programs.
Perks might include special housing, early class registration (which virtually guarantees that you'll get your first choices of classes each semester), scholarship opportunities, and research or internship opportunities. Some programs require a senior project or thesis.
Students with Disabilities
All colleges are required to offer assistance to diagnosed learning disabled students; however, there are colleges that offer specific programs. Please not that this is not a comprehensive list and we suggest that interested students review each university's specific LD catalogue.
Schools:
- Lynn University
- The University of Georgia
- Auburn University
- Arizona State University
- Georg Washington University
- American University
- University of Hartford
- University of Denver
- University of Arizona
- University of Vermont
3-2 Program
The 3/2 Program, also known as the undergraduate/Graduate Dual Degree allows undergraduate students to earn their undergraduate degree and a master in just five years.
Visual and Performing Art
Students who have a great interest in pursuing visual or performing arts must assess at an early stage their goals and commitments and prepare early for auditions if required by a particular school. For visual arts submission of one's portfolio of work may be required. Students also must understand that admission to a university must be at both an academic and an artistic level. A student must meet both the academic and artistic talent requirements of a school in order to gain admission.
Recording Format (Music)
- Each college has its own requirements for a musical recording. If you plan to major in music, you will likely have to audition at the school. In this case, you may not need to present a recording. However, if you do not plan to pursue music as a major, then the recording will be essential to showcase your talent.
- The CD should be recorded professionally. A poorly recorded CD is worse than no CD at all.
- Select your pieces carefully, in order to highlight your strengths and range of abilities.
- Do not make the recording too long. For instance, if a piece has three movements, then record only one and add an additional piece that has a different style.
- Be sure to send the recording both to the admissions office and to the appropriate person in the music department. Enclose a letter and a resume of your musical achievements.
- Depending upon the specific circumstance, you may want o follow up with a phone call to the music faculty member.
Resume Format
- List all the important musical things that you have done, whether or not school-related.
- List all awards and titles that you have.
- List all competitions in which you have participated.
- List teachers with whom you have studied.
- List all major pieces that you have played/sung.
Schools:
- The Julliard School
- Oberlin College
- New England Conservatory
- NYU-Tisch
- Savannah School Art and Design
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Pratt Institute
- Parsons School of Design