BATES COLLEGE

BATES COLLEGE

23 CAMPUS AVENLE, LINDHOLM HOUSE, LEWISION, ME 04240 • ADMISSIONS: 207-786-6000 • FAX: 207-786-6025
FINANCIAL AID: 207-786-6096 • E-MAIL: ADMlSSIONS@BATES.EDU • WEBSITE: WWW.BATES.EDU

STUDENTS SAY

Academics

Those seeking “a high-paced rigorous academic college with a low-key, lai back, and fun student body and campus life” should consider Maine’s Bat College, a small liberal arts school that “focuses on students becoming critical and creatively thinking citizens of the world” through first-year seminaj mandatory senior theses, and a range of departmental, interdisciplinary ax student-designed majors. Undergrads report that departments in economic biology, chemistry, religion, philosophy, and English are all “very good,” wi academics that “are challenging indeed, but not to the point where they inte fere with all the other enjoyable aspects of life here.” Professors are exempla of exclusive, small-school pedagogy; they “are always willing to chat abo classes, mternship possibilities, future jobs, graduate school, further readin to be done and just about life.” This is because “Teaching is their ma priority, and as a result, they have an invested interest in their students th facilitates meaningful and personal relationships.” Another student adds, “TI feeling of conununity fostered at Bates is unparalleled. The students are tru welcoming, and the professors seem to really enjoy their jobs. The administratic really gives the students a say in what happens at their college.”

Life

“You can really develop into a complete person at Bates through involvemer in athletics, community service, and supportive relationships with faculty an staff. At Bates you don’t have to choose between activities; you can do it all you decide that is what you want.” Another undergrad adds, “I can’t think a single person who isn’t busy 24 hours a day but by choice. People fifi up the lives with things that are important to them, whether it be academics, sport student govermnent, political activism, outdoor activities, or clubs. Many pec ple can’t choose just one.” “Student organizations are easy to become involve in here. For instance, anyone, regardless of experience or major, may try out fc a play, and most likely will land a part.” Students also love outdoor activitie especially “skiing at Sunday River in the winter,” but also “varsity or clu sports, which even those who aren’t quite athletic enjoy. Bates really emphi sizes an overall health of mind and body.” Parties “are quite common on th weekends, especially in the wood-frame houses that serve as one housin option.” While “There isn’t much to do in the Lewiston-Auburn area,” thE hardly matters because “Bates does an excellent job of providing entertair ment on the weekends for students.” As one undergrad puts it, “Studeni rarely leave campus for the weekends; no one wants to leave because there i so much going on here!” When students feel they just have to get away, “Bate pays for buses to nearby cities like Freeport, Portland, and Boston.”

Student Body

Far from big-city pressures, Bates students can afford the luxury of being “laid- back and willing to take time to chat with friends over coffee, read the newspaper, go to plays, become engaged in the community, and be active politically. Students value not only the academic experience they are offered at Bates, but take advantage of other [facets] of learning.” The student body includes “a lot of pseudo-hippies who cruise around campus pedaling their junkyard bikes with their Birkenstocked feet while toting their Nalgenes, who then spend their holidays in palatial mansions,” and also has its share of “New Englander Ralph Lauren—wearing preppies.” One student explains, “Bates combines hippies with Cape Cod kids, athletes with intellectuals. Everyone is a dork in his or her own way, and everyone’s passionate about something ridiculous, and totally unpredictable.” Students speculate that “Bates has one of the more vocal gay/bisexual populations out there,” and proudly report that “straight students (even those who might come in with some prejudices in this regard) interact with them freely and openly. This is one instance where one really sees Bates overcoming prejudice.”

ADMISSIONS

Very irnportantfactors considered include: Academic CPA, application essay, character/personal qualities, class rank, extracurricular activities, interview, level of applicant’s interest, recommendation(s), rigor of secondary school record, talent) ability. Other factors considered include: Alumni) ae relation, first generation, geographical residence, racial/ethnic status, standardized test scores, state residency, volunteer work, work experience. TOEFL required of allinternational
applicants. High school diploma is required, and CED is not accepted. Academic units required: 4 English, 3 math, 3 science (2 science labs), 2 foreign language, 3 social studies. Academic nnits recommended: 4 English, 4 math, 4 science (3 science labs), 4 foreign language, 4 social studies.

The Inside Word

While holding its applicants to lofty standards, Bates strives to adopt a personal approach to the admissions process. Officers favor qualitative information and focus more on academic rigor, essays, and recommendations than CPA and test scores. They seek students who look for challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the classroom and beyond. Interviews are strongly encouraged—candidates who opt out may place themselves at a disadvantage.

FINANCIAL AID

Students should submit: FAFSA, CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, Noncustodial PROFILE, Business/Farm Supplement. Regular filing deadline is February 1. e Princeton Review suggests that all financial aid forms be submitted as n as possible after January 1. Need-based scholarships/grants offered: Pell nt, SEOG, state scholarships/grants, private scholarships, the school’s own aid. Loan aid offered: FFEL Subsidized Stafford, FEEL Unsubsidized ord, FEEL PLUS, Federal Perkins Loan, state loans. Applicants will be ed of awards on or about April 1. Federal Work-Study Program available. ututional employment available. Off-campus job opportunities are good.

FROM THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE

"BATES College is widely recognized as one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the nation. The curriculum and faculty challenge students to develop the essential of critical assessment, analysis, expression, aesthetic sensibility, and hide- Lent thought. Founded by abolitionists in 1855, Bates graduates have always ded men and women from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. Bates ly values its study abroad programs, unique calendar (4-4-1), and the many rtunities available for one-on-one collaboration with faculty through semi- research, service-learning, and the capstone experience of senior thesis. :urricular life at Bates is rich; most students participate in club or varsity rts; many participate in performing arts; and almost all students participate one of more than 100 student-run clubs and organizations. More than two- of alumni enroll in graduate study within 10 years.
Bates College Admissions Staff reads applications very carefully; the high 1 record and the quality of writing are of particular importance. licants are strongly encouraged to have a personal interview, either on ‘us or with an alumni representative. Students who choose not to inter- may place themselves at a disadvantage in the selection process. Bates tours, interviews and information sessions throughout the summer and h-op-ins are welcome for tours and information sessions. Please call to schedule an interview.

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BARNARD COLLEGE

BARNARD COLLEGE

3009 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10027. ADMISSIONS: 212-854-2014 FAX: 212-854-6220
FINANCIAL AID: 212-854-2154 E-MAIL: ADMISSIONS@BARNARD.EDU WEBSITE: WWW.BARNARD.EDU

STUDENTS SAY

Academics

Barnard College, the all-women liberal arts school associated with Coluj University, “offers students the best of both worlds: The seclusion and infix of a small liberal arts college within a tremendous research university and of the greatest cities in the world.” Women here explain that “because Barna students have complete cross registration privileges at Columbia, full access all of its resources and libraries, and upon graduation receive a degree from university, we enjoy the full benefits of an Ivy League education, without punishment of having to take Columbia’s core curriculum, pass a swim test, eat at the lousy Columbia dining room.” Students here also get more of small-college experience than do their Columbia peers; one student expla “While the Columbia professors can be arrogant and pompous, most of Barnard professors are really nice, down-to-earth people.” Administrators “unequivocally dedicated to finding rapid, individualized solutions to s dents’ problems.” Because the school is in New York City, “There are amaz opportunities here; the city really is our learning lab!” In short, “Barnard is r ly great as a small school to act as your home base. From here, you can expl the university and the city as much as you want. You have to take the initiati but if you do, you can find a way to do anything you want. And Barnard is supportive, you’ll be able to find someone on campus who’s willing to help.”

Life

“Life at school is dominated by studies.” Undergraduates agree that “most s dents here spend at least 60 percent of their week on schoolwork.” Still, to degree allowed by their academic workload, “Most undergraduates make a c scious effort to take advantage of NYC through internships, nightlife, muse and exhibits. Many of us love to just spend an afternoon walking dots Broadway and shopping.” The campus is a magnet for high-powered speak and prestigious events; one student reports, “There are always raffles or Icc going on that are highly attended. In the past year, Janeane Carofalo, Jo Edwards, Anna Quindlen, and Alice Walker have spoken on campus, to name few.” Barnard is located in Morningside Heights, “a neighborhood that thriv very much on the college community.” Students here miss out a bit on the c sic college experience, but they don’t mind; one undergrad explains, “Ba feels that since we are in the city they don’t need to create a community for Therefore, occasionally I feel like I’m just living in the city and taking classes. It’ definitely worth it, though, and my friends and I make our own college touch Women here also warn that “Barnard’s facilities could use drastic remodelin With the exception of a few recently renovated lecture spaces, the classrooms in need of major technological and aesthetic updates. New resident halls need be built because many of the existing buildings are too old.”

Student Body

Barnard, like its hometown, is a magnet for the idiosyncratic. One stud explains, “New York is a place that allows people to be anyone they want to You can wear a zebra-striped bikini in the middle of winter on a snow-cove street here and people would hardly look twice. . . because we go to school such an eclectic place, I don’t think it’s possible to describe a ‘typical’ Barna student.” Some here try all the same; they tell us that Barnard students a “driven, intelligent, cosmopolitan young women who come from every corn of the country and throughout the world, from different socioeconomic back grounds, and varying life experiences.” Because of a dual degree program wi the Jewish Theological Seminary “there are many Orthodox Jews here” wh “typically socialize only with other Orthodox Jews.” There’s also a large, le insular Asian population. There are “many feminists and lesbians, too, but fewer than one might expect.”

ADMISSIONS

Very important factors considered include: Academic CPA, application essay, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, recommendation(s), rigor of secondary school record. Important factors considered include: Class rank, standardized test scores, talent/ability volunteer work. Other factors considered include: Alun-ini/ae relation, first generation, geographical residence, interview 1 level of applicant’s interest, racial/ethnic status, work experience. SAT and SAT Subject Tests or ACT required; ACT with Writing component required. TOEFL required of all international applicants. High school diploma or equivalent is not required. Academic units recommended: 4 English, 3 math, 3 science (2 science labs), 3 foreign language, 3 history.

The Inside Word

As at many top colleges, early decision applications have increased at Barnard—although the admissions standards are virtually the same as for their regular admissions cycle. The college’s Admissions Staff is open and accessible, which is not always the case at highly selective colleges with as long and impressive a tradition of excellence. The Admissions Committee’s expectations are high, but their attitude reflects a true interest in who you are and what’s on your mind. Students have a much better experience throughout the admissions process when treated with sincerity and respect—perhaps this is why Barnard continues to attract and enroll some of the best students in the country

FINANCIAL AID

Students should submit: FAFSA, CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, Noncustodial PROFILE, institution’s own financial aid form, state aid form, Business/Farm Supplement, parent’s individual, corporate, and/or partnership federal income tax returns, Regular filing deadline is February 1. The Princeton Review suggests that all financial aid forms be submitted as soon as possible after January 1. Need-based scholarships/rants offered: Pell Crant, SEOC, state scholarships/grants, private scholarships, the school’s own gift aid. Loan aid offered: FFEL Subsidized Stafford, FFEL Unsubsidized Stafford, FFEL PLUS, Federal Perkins Loan, state loans, college/university loans from institutional funds. Applicants will be notified of awards on or about March 31.

FROM THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE

“Barnard College is a small, distinguished liberal arts college for women that is affiliated with Columbia University and located in the heart of New York City. The college enrolls women from all over the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. More than 30 countries, including France, England, Hong Kong, and Creece, are also represented in the student body. Students pursue their academic studies in over 40 majors and are able to cross register at Columbia University.
“Applicants for the Fall 2008 entering class must submit scores from the SAT Reasoning Test and two SAT Subject Tests of their choice, or the ACT with the Writing component.

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BARD COLLEGE

BARD COLLEGE

OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS, ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, NY 12504 • ADMISSIONS: 845-758-7472 • FAX: 845-758-5208
FINANCIAL AID: 845-758-7526 • E-MAIL: AOMISSION@BARD.EDU • WEBSUUE: WWW.BARD.EDU

STUDENTS SAY

Academics

Bard College, a small school that excels in the liberal and fine arts, takes “progressive approach” to academics, allowing students “the opportunity control your own education and learn more than you would at most other ac demit institutions.” It doesn’t make for a walk in the park, though; studies claim that the workload can get heavy, “But if you’re passionate about you classes, as most people here are, time often goes quickly as you study. This not the place for anyone who is not intellectually motivated.” A “relaxed, pr sure-free environment” makes Bard “a great place to learn” and takes some the stress out of the hard work, as do the “great professors, who are passion ate about the subjects they teach and have often just written a book about material in a class they are currently teaching.” Bard doesn’t do as much hand holding as do comparable liberal arts schools; here “The academics rely heavily on the motivation of the individual student,” although “Once you beg coming up with your own special projects and supplementing the recuing reading, professors bend over backward to help you.” The relaxed atrophic does have its downside, though; students claim that “things are extremely d orgaited, and you can easily find yourself being told five different thin from five different people.”

Life

“People are really involved, both inside and outside of the classroom” at Bar where “There is a really active club life. We have everything from U International Student Organization to the Surrealist Training Circus and U Children’s Expressive Arts Project. There are always dance, theater, music, ax art events every weekend,” and “The shows are really popular, both those the axe student-run and those put on by professionals.” Bard undergrads al indulge in” a lot of after-hours discussion about what we’re all doing in class My friends and I talk about experiments, theories, literature, and various api tic/scientific installations.” The Bard campus “is gorgeous, so some people take advantage of amazing hiking and outdoor sports. Other people enjoy( Blythewood, a hill that overlooks the Catskills, in a more passive fashion, so bathing or lounging with friends.” Students tell us that they “always feel as here, even walking in the middle of the night.” Bard’s party scene is primary confined to weekends; one student explains, “People party a lot on the wee ends but during the week everyone seems to be working.” The quaint towns the surround Bard appeal to some, but many prefer “the 2-hour train ride to Ne York City. It’s convenient when you have nothing else to do on the weekend.’

Student Body

“Hippies, hipsters, and geek chic” are common sights on the Bard campus, are “people who have that ‘I’m on the cutting edge of underground fashion look.” However, while Bard might appear to be “all about fight designer jeans indie rock, and everything else NYC or LA,” the reality is “There are really lot of normal college kids here—people seem to think everyone here was social outcast in high school, but most people here are friendly, social, an pretty normal (although certainly a bit cerebral).” Undergrads tend to b “politically conscious and left-wing-activist types.” One student notes, “F you’re uncreative or conservative you probably wouldn’t fit in. Other than that just about anything works.” Another agrees, “A large percentage of people an extremely talented and creative and express themselves best through creativi writing, music, art, dance, or theater.” In short, Bard is about “a lot of kid being different together.”

ADMISSIONS

Very important factors considered include: Academic CPA, application essay, character/personal qualities, extracurricular activities, recommendation(s), rigor of cindery school record, talent/ability. Important factors considered include:
volunteer work, work experience. Other factors considered include: Alumni/ae diction, class rank, first generation, geographical residence, interview, level of applicant’s interest, racial/ethnic status, religious affiliation/commitment, andradite test scores, state residency. TOEFL required of all international applicants. High school diploma is required, and GED is accepted. Academic nits recommended: 4 English, 4 math, 4 science (3 science labs), 4 foreign language, 4 social studies, 4 history.

The Inside Word

because Bard boasts healthy application numbers, it is in a position to concentrate on matchmaking. To that end, Admissions Officers seek students with dependent and inquisitive spirits. Applicants who exhibit academic ambit while extending their intellectual curiosity beyond the realm of the classroom are particularly appealing. Successful candidates typically have several honors and Advanced Placement courses on their transcripts, as well as strong titers of recommendation and well-written personal statements.

FINANCIAL AID

Students should submit: FAFSA, CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, state aid form, business/Farm Supplement. Regular filing deadline is February 15. The rinceton Review suggests that all financial aid forms be submitted as soon as possible after January 1. Need-bused scholarships/grants offered: Pelt Grant, SEOG, late scholarships/grants, private scholarships, the school’s own gift aid. Loan 11 offered: FEEL Subsidized Stafford, FEEL Unsubsidized Stafford, FEEL PLUS, èderal Perkins Loan, college loans from institutional funds (for international ludents only). Applicants will be notified of awards on or about April 1.

FROM THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE

alliance with Rockefeller University, the renowned graduate scientific ?arch institution, gives Bardians access to Rockefeller’s professors and lab- tories and to places in Rockefeller’s Summer Research Fellows Program. nost all our math and science graduates pursue graduate or professional dies; 90 percent of our applicants to medical and health professional schools accepted. le Globalization and International Affairs (BGTA) Program is a residential gram in the heart of New York City that offers undergraduates a unique ortunity to undertake specialized study with leading practitioners and olars in international affairs and to gain internship experience with ?rnational-affairs organizations. Topics in the curriculum include human its, international economics, global environmental issues, international jusmanaging international risk, and writing on international affairs, among ers. Internships/tutorials are tailored to students’ particular fields of study.
udent dormitory and classroom facilities are in Bard Hall, 410 West Fiftyith Street, a newly renovated H -story building near the Lincoln Center trict in New York City.
sd College does not require SAT scores, new or old, to be submitted for nissions consideration. Students may choose to submit scores, and, if sub- ted, we will consider them in the context of the overall application.”

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BABSON COLLEGE

BABSON COLLEGE

LUTHER UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION CENTER, BABSON PARK, MA 02457 • ADMISSIONS: 781-239-5522 • FAX: 781-239-4135
FINANCIAL AID: 781-239-4219 • E-MAIL: UGRADADMISSION@BABSON.EDU • WEEBSITE: WWW.BABSON.EDU

STUDENTS SAY

Academics

If you already know anything about Babson, you probably know that at this small school in the suburbs of Boston, “everything is related to business. So if you don’t like business, you should not even think about coming here.” Indeed Babson has one of the best known and most respected undergraduate business programs in the country It begins with the Foundations of Management am Entrepreneurship (FME) freshman year, during which students work in group: to conceive and launch a (hopefully) profitable small business. This segues into the sophomore year in which students participate in an integrated experience that includes instruction in core business disciplines like accounting, marketin8 and finance, among others. By nearly all accounts the curriculum is extremely challenging, and the severe grade curve based on an average of 2.7 comes as shock to some. But most students feel that although “the homework tends to b a lot compared to most of my friends at other business schools.. . we receive better education.” In large part that’s because “Many of the professors have started or still run very successful companies,” and they share their invaluable “industry experience” in the classroom. At least business professors do. “The liberal arts teachers vary a lot more in quality.” By and large, the administration receives average marks, but most students don’t focus on any administrative shortcomings. “At the end of the day, if you want to be a successful entrepreneur or business person, Babson is the best place for you.”

Life

The “business boot camp” that is Babson is not known for its social life. Dunn8 the week, “People are consumed by work, and are constantly concentrating or their future. On the weekends people socialize a lot because they need a break from the stress of the week.” The student body splinters into distinct factions when it’s time to unwind: “American kids typically party on campus more often, the athletes will party together, frats do their thing, and the international rich kids go in town and are scarce on the weekends since they live at the clubs in Boston.” Some undergrads cross-pollinate groups, of course, but these are generally where the lines are drawn. Students who choose to party on campus, however, are well aware that “the campus police [referred to locally as ‘Babo’] and Office of Campus Life take a strong stance against parties and alcohol” and that Babo is quite adept at breaking up unauthorized get-togethers. School- sanctioned on-campus activities include “‘Knight Parties’ on one Saturday night during each month (a club-like atmosphere with a DJ, dancing, and lots of free food and drinks, and beer for 2l-year-olds).” Additionally, “The on- campus pub is fun and a common hangout for upperclassmen.” For those who feel the lure of Boston, a car definitely makes getting there easier, but “The school also offers a bus that runs into Boston on the weekends for students.”

Student Body

At this small business school where “Professionalism is a part of your grade,” a “typical student is pretty well off, dressed well no matter what their style Is, and pretty intelligent on business and similar subjects.” Given its business focus, some students speculate that “Babson is probably the only school in
Massachusetts where Republicans are in the majority.” Noticeable cliques include the BISOs (Babson International Students), the athletes, and the Greeks, but regardless of the groups students fall Into, nearly all c/them constantly think about the next great business idea, internship, or great job at firms like Lehman Brothers, KPMG, Ernst & Young, etc.” It should come as no surprise, then, that “we are short on hippies, punks, and extreme liberals. If you fall into those categories, people will still accept you, but eventually you’ll probably want to strangle the rest of us and will transfer!’ No matter what you start out as, the consensus seems to be that 4 years of “Babson will transform you from a driven/motivated individual into a lethal business machine.”

ADMINSSIONS

Very important factors considered include: Academic CPA, application essay, character/personal qualities, recommendation(s), rigor of secondary school record, standardized test scores. Important factors considered include: Class rank, extracurricular activities. Other factors considered include: Alunmi/ae relation, first generation, geographical residence, interview, level of applicant’s interest, racial/ethnic status, state residency, talent/ability, volunteer work, work experience. SAT or ACT required; SAT and SAT Subject Tests or ACT recommended; ACT with Writing component required. TOEFL required of all international applicants. High school diploma is required, and GED is accepted. Academic units recommended: 4 English, 4 math, 4 science (3 science labs), 4 foreign language, 2 social studies, 2 Master 1 precalculus.

The Inside Word

Though Babson offers a unique educational opportunity their admissions practices are as traditional as they come. Personal qualities and extracurricular activities are taken into consideration, but the best way to impress a Babson Admissions Officer is through strong academic performance. Both scholastic rigor and the demonstration of intellectual curiosity are extremely important. Additionally, applicants will want to focus on their essay—writing ability is viewed as vital at Babson.

FINANCIAL AID

Students should submit: FAFSA, CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, Noncustodial PROFILE, Business/Farm Supplement, Federal Income Tax Returns, W-2s and Verification Worksheet. Regular filing deadline is February 15. The Princeton Review suggests that all financial aid forms be submitted as soon as possible after January 1. Need-based scholarships/grants offered: Pell Grant, SEOG, state scholarships/grants, the school’s own gift aid. Loan aid offered: FFEL Subsidized Stafford, FFEL Unsubsidized Stafford, FFEL PLUS, Federal Perkins Loan, state loans. Applicants will be notified of awards on or about April 1.

FROM THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE

“In addition to theoretical knowledge, Babson College is dedicated to providing its students with hands-on business experience. The Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (FMF) and Management Consulting Field Experience (MCFE) are two prime examples of this commitment. During the FME, all freshmen are placed into groups of 30 and actually create their own businesses that they operate until the end of the academic year. The profits of each FME business are then donated to the charity of each group’s choice. “MCFE offers upperclassmen the unique and exciting opportunity to work as actual consultants for private companies and/or nonprofit organizations in small groups of three to five. Students receive academic credit for their work as well as invaluable experience in the field of consulting. FME and MCFE are just two of the ways Babson strives to produce business leaders with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

“Babson College requires freshmen applicants to submit scores from either the new SAT or the ACT with Writing component. The school recommends that students also submit results from SAT Subject Tests.”

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AUSTIN COLLEGE

AUSTIN COLLEGE

900 NORTH GRAND AVENUE, SUITE 6N, SHERMAN, TX 75090-4400 • ADMISSIONS: 903-813-3000 • FAX: 903-813-3198
FINANCIAL AID: 903-813-2900 • E-MAIL: ADMISSION@AUSTINCOLLEGE.EDU • WEBSITE: WWW.AUSTINCOLLEGE.EDU

STUDENTS SAY

Academics

Whether they are biochemists-in-training or budding musicians, “challenging” is the word most undergraduates use to describe the academics at Austin College. Among all of the demanding disciplines at this small liberal arts school in way-north Texas, the premed curriculum has a rep for being especially so. (Nearly 10 percent of this school’s graduates attend medical school after graduation.) The work here may be tough, but “Class sizes are small, the teachers are extremely well qualified (no TAs), and people really care about you as a person.” When push comes to shove in the academic arena, the “Academic Skills Center is an excellent resource, and other students will often volunteer their assistance on school mailers.” Alternatively, students can seek help from their professors, who “are more like really wise friends” than aloof academics. Students can stop by during office hours or wait until they’re invited over for a meal, which, students tell us, happens from time to time. Other unique attributes of an AC education include an Academic Integrity Policy that students pledge to follow before classes begin. Fans like it because they “don’t have to worry about other students cheating. As a matter of fact, my teachers sometimes leave the room after handing out quizzes with no reaction from the class.” As far as the administration goes, “Oscar Page (the school’s president, affectionately known as ‘0 Page’) is the most down-to-earth guy ever; he’s often in the cafeteria eating with students.”

Life

“We go to Starbucks and Wal-Mart a lot because there’s not much to do in Sherman.” According to students, “Sherman is a boring city with little shopping, no fine dining, and no outdoor parks worth exploring.” To make things worse, “There is no night life.” This does not mean, however, that the resourceful students at AC do not find ways to divert themselves from their studies when they need a little R&R. They mainly line up for two kinds of fun: The kind offered by the Greeks, which usually means partying, and the kind offered by groups like Christian Intervarsity, which usually means something a little more wholesome. On the one hand, “Greek parties are fun and a popular weekend activity. Ninety-nine percent of them are open to the entire student body.” On the other, activities sponsored by Intervarsity include “box- sledding [down a snow-covered hill], Ultimate Frisbee, video scavenger hunts, and community service projects.” In addition, a “local dance hall, Calhoun’s; local parties; free movies on campus; art exhibitions; choral and music recitals; guest musicians every Thursday; varsity athletic events to watch; or intramural games to compete iii” round out the busy scene on campus. Fun further afield can be found in Dallas, an hour-and-a-half drive away, or at “the lake campus [recreational property owned by the college] out at Lake Texoma.” Be mindful that “a car is required to get anywhere, because nothing useful is within walking distance of the school.”

Student Body

The typical undergraduate at AC is often “one who started off premed but ended up doing something else.” He or she is “open-minded, casual, cares about the community around them, works hard for [his or her] grades, and is overly involved in school organizations and committees.” “Many are religious.” Contrary to what such devoutness might suggest, AC undergrads mainly feel that “for a Texas school, it is very liberal.” “There are not that many students who are from states other than Texas and Oklahoma,” and while “Most students here are White and middle-class,” minorities are in no way excluded. Indian students are well-represented, as “The Indian Cultural Association is the largest group on campus, made up of more than Indian students, followed by the Muslim Students Association, and then by Los Amigos and Black Expressions.”

ADMISSIONS

Very important factors considered include: Academic CPA, rigor of secondary school record. Important factors considered include: Application essay, character/personal qualities, class rank, extracurricular activities, recommendation(s), standardized test scores, talent/ability. Other factors considered include: Alumni/ae relation, first generation, geographical residence, interview, racial/ethnic status, religious affiliation/commitment, state residency, volunteer work, work experience. SAT or ACT required; ACT with Writing component required. TOEFL required of all international applicants. High school diploma is required, and GED is accepted. Academic units required: 4 English, 3 math, 3 science (2 science labs), 2 foreign language, 2 social studies, 1 academic elective, 1 fine art. Academic units recommended: 4 English, 4 math, 4 science (3 science labs), 3 foreign language, 3 social studies, 2 fine art.

The Inside Word

Candidates hoping for an acceptance letter from Austin should keep a rigorous academic schedule. The college covets students who challenge themselves and Admissions Officers are prone to prefer students who have slightly lower GPAs but have proven themselves in difficult courses. Of course, applicants are more than just statistics and counselors are also looking for caring, committed students who want to contribute to the Austin community. An interview is strongly encouraged.

FINANCIAL AID

Students should submit: FAFSA, institution’s own financial aid form. The Princeton Review suggests that all financial aid forms be submitted as soon as possible after January 1. Need-based scholarships/grants offered: Pell Grant, SEOG, state scholarships/grants, private scholarships, the school’s own gift aid. Loan aid offered: FFEL Subsidized Stafford, FEEL Unsubsidized Stafford, FFEL PLUS, Federal Perkins Loan, state loans, college/university loans from institutional funds, alternative loans through various sources. Applicants will be notified of awards on a rolling basis beginning or about March 1. Federal Work-Study Program available. Institutional employment available. Off-campus job opportunities are good.

FROM THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE

“Students visiting Austin College immediately sense something different about the campus community. People look you in the eye. They call you by name. They want to see you succeed.

“That success comes from a strong academic foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, plus added opportunities like international study, January Term, and close involvement with committed faculty who become your partners in learning.
“The comments on these pages from students make it clear that there is no ‘typical’ student at Austin College. Students can retain their individuality and still fit in. Our students value and respect differences of background, style, and belief. Campus organizations offer activities for all interests. “Austin College prepares you to do more than make a living. It prepares you to make a difference in the place you work, in the community you call home, in the friends you make, and in the way you live. Service to others is an important part of campus life. “Visit and discover Austin College’s legacy of learning, leadership, and lasting values for youself.

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