Why A Duck?

Because to become a University of Oregon Duck, any high school applicant may receive automatic undergraduate admission by simply achieving a 3.4 GPA—regardless of grade scale or weighting policy or whatever. If your transcript contains both weighted and unweighted GPA’s, UO will take the higher to qualify for automatic admission—they want to accept great students. Go Ducks!

Not even the Marx Brothers in their famous Cocoanuts routine could complain about this opportunity for solid B students to gain admission to a wonderful school in a beautiful part of the country. And evidently, so many have discovered this secret that University of Oregon officials had to lift the automatic-admit GPA from 3.25 to 3.4 for the 2009-2010 admissions cycle. Since about 70% of this year’s freshman class was admitted under this policy (including lots of Californians shut out of their system), little room was left for the UO admissions committee to make selections from among the rest of the applicants. This potentially created problems filling specialized positions in the Marching Duck Band or the mighty Duck football team. And, these aren’t just Oregonians. About one-third to 40% comes from out of state to enjoy the college town atmosphere offered in Eugene OR and the 295-acre UO campus lined with 2000 varieties of trees.

There are other guaranteed admission policies in effect across the country, but most have restrictions that make them less universally applicable. A more controversial policy in Texas requires the University of Texas to take the top 10% of graduating seniors in any Texas high school. The University of North Dakota posts a chart indicating requirements for automatic admission, and the University of Houston guarantees admission to anyone in the top 20% of their high school class. Other less choosy schools post automatic admissions standards for prospective students to meet. But few are as successful as the University of Oregon in actually improving admissions statistics through this relatively painless admissions policy. In fact, the average GPA for the class of 2013 is 3.68, and that’s with using the lower standard for guaranteed admission.

There are a few strings that come with the Duck offer. Students must graduate from a regionally accredited high school and have 16 college preparatory units with grades of C- or better. They must also submit a completed application by January 15, 2010 (this application will be used to consider applicants for the Clark Honors College). Earlier applications get first choice on housing. BTW, to reach Oregon admissions, you dial 1-800-BE A DUCK. Gotta love it!

Why a duck? No, viaduct. Why a chicken? No, that’s the University of Delaware.

Stuck at Prom® 2013

It’s the stuff of urban legend. 

Who would believe that fashioning a prom dress entirely from duct tape could earn college-bound high school students up to $5000 in scholarship money? But it’s true and there’s still time to enter.

Thirteen years ago, Duck Tape® brand duct tape launched the Stuck at Prom® Scholarship Contest open to high school students in the US and Canada (including DC but excluding Colorado, Maryland, Vermont and Puerto Rico) who are creative enough to assemble and accessorize prom wear that is unique, beautiful, and made entirely out of duct tape.

And if you don’t think it’s possible, check out a recent episode of “Project Runway,” which featured a group of prospective fashion designers working in teams of two to design and create one-of-a-kind prom dresses made primarily out of duct tape. 

But most importantly for duct tape designers, the duct tape product line has expanded from the more traditional silver to a rainbow of 20 colors and patterns including aqua, camouflage, florescent colors, and tie-dyes. There’s even a line of college Duck Tape for real go-getters wanting to show a little school spirit or demonstrate some serious interest.

The Stuck at Prom^® entry period starts March 11 and ends June 10, 2013.  Entry forms may be found on the Duck Brand® website, where you will be asked to upload photos and answer a few questions (be sure to keep track of how many rolls of tape you use).

A panel of judges will then choose 10 finalist couples based on workmanship, originality, use of colors, accessories and use of Duck Tape^®. Those couples will be narrowed down to grand prize ($5000 to each individual of the winning couple as well as the school that sponsored the prom), second and third place winners during a public online voting period on StuckAtProm.com, which will open on June 13, 2013, and end on July 8, 2013. 

Winners will be announced on or about July 11, 2013, and will include “Honorable Mention” awards for best purse, corsage, shoes, tie, jewelry, and prop.  In all, 16 scholarships will be awarded ranging from $500 to $5000.

For more information including some bizarre design tips, visit the contest website. Note that these outfits take hours to complete and more importantly, duct tape as a fabric doesn’t breathe well.

There really is a Duct Tape College Scholarship

It’s the stuff of urban legend. Who would believe that fashioning a prom dress entirely from duct tape could earn college-bound high school students up to $3000 in scholarship money? But it’s true and there’s still time to enter.

Ten years ago, Duck Tape® brand duct tape launched the Stuck at Prom® Scholarship Contest open to high school students in the US and Canada who are creative enough to assemble and accessorize prom wear that is unique, beautiful, and made entirely out of duct tape. Since 2001, more than 5500 students have participated in the contest and more than $80,000 has been awarded in scholarships.

And most importantly for duct tape designers, the Duck Tape® product line has expanded from the more traditional silver to a rainbow of 20 colors and patterns including aqua, camouflage, florescent colors, and this year’s latest addition of tie-dyes. Now how many electricians use tie-dyes to spruce up their connections?

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Stuck at Prom contest, the top 10 couples will each receive scholarships: first place will receive $3000 each and $3000 for the school that hosted their prom; second place will receive $2000; third place will receive $1000; and the remaining seven finalist couples will receive $500 each and $500 for their school.

Finalist couples will be chosen from all contest entries by a panel of judges who consider workmanship, originality, use of color, accessories and quantity of tape used to create the outfits. In other words, simply covering your purse in duct tape won’t win you any prizes. These ten couples will compete during an online voting period where school spirit definitely kicks in.

Participants are required to submit completed applications and a photo of themselves wearing their duct tape formalwear by June 7, 2010. The online voting period runs from June 18 to July 26, and features a new elimination twist to heighten the drama.

Winners from last year’s competition may be viewed on the Stuck at Prom website. Unfortunately for our area, there were no 2009 finalist couples from DC or Virginia. And out of about 200 entries nationwide last year, only one couple from Maryland entered and made it to the top ten—Maryland did have a first place prizewinner in 2007.

For more information including some bizarre design tips, visit the contest website. Note that these outfits take hours to complete and more importantly, duct tape as a fabric doesn’t breathe well.

Image provided by Stuck at Prom

On the road in Oregon with the Higher Education Consultants Association

Willamette University

Loving the crystal blue skies and moderate temperatures characteristic of springtime in the Pacific

Northwest, two busloads of independent college consultants (IEC’s) took to the Oregon highways for college tours following the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) Annual Conference in Portland.

And they were rewarded with exquisite campuses showcasing Oregon’s geographic diversity and natural beauty.  Although the five colleges visited by each of the post-conference tours were relatively quiet, the enthusiasm and warm welcome from administrators, staff, and students working during the summer more than made up for any shortage of undergrads on campus.

Here is a little of what the HECA tour groups learned over the course of two very full days:

University of Oregon

Why a Duck?  Well, why not a Duck?  Founded in 1876, the University of Oregon is the state’s flagship institution.  Towering shade trees dominate the 295-acre campus located in Eugene—the quintessential college town.  With more than 200 comprehensive academic programs, the UO offers something for everyone and at a very reasonable price. In fact, out-of-state students can easily establish residency after their freshman year to benefit from low in-state tuition.

The UO commitment to environment and sustainability is evident throughout campus.  Earlier this year, the Robert and Beverly Lewis Integrative Science Building became the first higher education laboratory in Oregon to be awarded LEED Platinum certification—the highest possible—by the U.S. Green Building Council.  The 103,000 square-foot Lewis building is the home of biologists, chemists, neuroscientists, and other researchers working together under a single roof.

For prospective architects, the UO’s School of Architecture and Allied Arts tops several lists including the DesignIntelligence ranking of programs in sustainable design education.  The architecture program takes five years, and students receiving merit money have the opportunity to benefit from a 5-year guarantee covering time to complete the program.

Oregon State University

Situated 90 miles south of Portland and an hour from the Cascades or the Pacific Coast, Oregon State University boasts of its status as a leading research university.  One of 73 land-grant universities, Oregon State is also recognized as a sea-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant institution—only one of two in the U.S. (the other is Cornell).  The 400-acrea main campus includes a Historic District, making Oregon State one of few university campuses listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

And Oregon State is rapidly growing.  In fact, this year’s freshman class increased by 11 percent.  Six major construction projects including a new residence hall, new classroom buildings, and cultural center upgrades, are well under way.

Undergrads entering Oregon State as freshmen or transfer students are automatically reviewed for scholarship eligibility—no application is required.  And students who have completed the full International Baccalaureate diploma with a score of 30 or higher may be awarded a minimum of $3,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.

Pacific University Oregon

Pacific University began as a school for orphans from the Oregon Trail in 1849 and was modeled after the best schools of New England.  Today, Pacific University serves nearly 3,500 students (22 percent from Hawaii) on campuses in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, Eugene, and Woodburn.

Exercise Science is the most popular major at Pacific University, and course work includes biology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor learning and nutrition in two main tracks:  integrative physiology and motor behavior.   Students in the Advantage Scholars Program may apply for an early decision admission to Pacific’s health professions programs during their junior year. Those who successfully complete program requirements will be offered one guaranteed interview with the Pacific University Graduate or Professional Program of their choice.

Each year, the Na Haumana O Hawai’I (NHOH) organizes a campus-wide luau designed to celebrate and share culture with the extended Pacific community.  With an average crowd of 2,000, 8,000 pounds of cargo gets shipped in from the islands making this event the largest student organized luau west of the Mississippi.

Linfield College

Once known as McMinnville College, Linfield’s main campus is located on 193 “park-like” acres.  In recent years, Linfield has more than doubled in size allowing for an increase in the student body and the development of new facilities.  An expanded library on the far edge of campus has given the college better space for research and collaborative study.

The Linfield Center for the Northwest (LCN) facilitates regionally-based internships, community service and service learning opportunities.  Housed within the LCN, is the Oregon Wine History Archive chronicles the Oregon wine industry and includes historical documents from winery owners, growers, researchers, marketers, and sellers.  The Center is currently involved in a larger Oregon Wine History Project designed to involve students in research related to Oregon’s wine industry.

Linfield’s largest major, nursing is a “transfer-only” program located on the Portland campus.  Students apply to the nursing program after completing prerequisites at the McMinnville campus.

Willamette University

One street away from the Oregon State Capitol in Salem and co-located with Tokyo International University of America, Willamette University is situated on a stunning historic campus.  Founded in 1842, Willamette was the first university established in the western United States and one of the earliest coeducational institutions in the U.S.

In addition to the 60-acre main campus, Willamette owns the 305-acre Zena Forest and Farm, which provides for onsite classes, research, and a student-operated farm and garden.  Part of the farm is dedicated to the Summer Institute in Sustainable Agriculture where students live in a farmhouse for six weeks and take classes in agroecology and sustainable agriculture.

Willamette offers various talent scholarships (music, forensics, and theatre) requiring a separate application or audition in addition to materials submitted for admission.  Students may apply for talent scholarships in conjunction with either the Early Action or Regular Decision application timeline.

Top Holiday Videos for 2011

Howard University captures the meaning of the holiday with a video featuring a fabulous rendition of “Children, Go Where I Send Thee,” while UMBC sends greetings from Mama’s Boys and their upbeat version of “Let It Snow.” American University’s holiday video documents the excitement of a campus-wide card-signing event, and Shenandoah University offers wintery campus scenes set to the tune of “Silver Bells.”

In honor of the season, the University of Maryland sends viewers on a tour of the College Park campus as “Jingle Bell Rock” plays in the background, and Frostburg State University provides an insider’s view of the annual Storybook Holiday featuring undergraduate elves wandering the through Frostburg’s winter wonderland.

Colleges are making creative use of YouTube and other internet resources for extending warm holiday greetings again this year. Some will give you an opportunity to see what the campus looks like during winter months, and others will introduce you to key administrative staff who just happen to play starring roles in the productions.

And the videos can be anything from earnest messages read by college presidents seated before brilliantly burning yule logs to humorous collages of campus and student life.

After a thorough search through the internet and a little help from a few admissions offices, here are my candidates for the best of the 2011 holiday videos:

• Arizona State University. Students pass on a very special gift found under a beautifully decorated tree. It’s a wonder those cookies don’t get broken!
• Carnegie Mellon University. Scotty and friends bring “Plaid Greetings” to CMU campuses from Pittsburgh to Qatar to Silicon Valley. Gotta love the plaid.
• Eckerd College. An animated debate between President Eastman and Dean of Admission John Sullivan reminds viewers that, “Liberal arts sounds…so well, liberal.” Bipartisan arts?
• Elon Univesity. Members of the Elon community offer holiday messages including one that vaguely translates into a very merry ChristmasHannukaKwanza.
• Flagler College. Everyone sings along to an upbeat version of “All I want for Christmas.”
• Harvard University. The video has a few bumps and rough spots as well as a little commentary from the videographer, but if you’re a fan of “Little Drummer Boy,” you will LOVE this a cappella version from Harvard’s Kuumba Singers.
• Knox College. This is absolutely one of the best holiday videos of the year. Sam Brownson ’12 wrote and performed “On the Steps of Old Main”—a tribute to Knox College that is sure to bring tears to the eyes of Knox grads or anyone who has truly loved their college experience. Don't miss this one!
  
• Lawrence University. To help get you in the mood for the holidays, members of Contala and the Lawrence Concert Choir gather for “The Christmas Song.” Be sure to check out some of those holiday sweaters!
• Lehigh University. "T’was a great year at Lehigh, and there’s lots to report."
• Macalester College. A real life Dickens scholar, Macalester President Brian Rosenberg experiences his own “Scrooge” moment or series of moments. “How now a legion of goblins all of my own 'admission.'” Humbug! The Ghost of College Yet to Come is wonderful and transformative! Another “don’t miss” video.
• Marquette University. The student a cappella group, Gold ‘N Blues sings “O Holy Night.”
  
• Ohio Wesleyan University. Viewers are treated to snowy campus scenes backed by the “Carol of the Bells” performed by the Ohio Wesleyan Brass ensemble.
• Rhodes College. Short and very sweet. “It’s the truth that sets us free.”
• Simpson College. One hundred students gather in a mall on a cold, gray December day in Iowa and surprise shoppers with the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
• Towson University. “T’was the Night Before Finals” is about as clever as they get if you can imagine calling 8 flying tigers by name: “Now Study, now Read, now Think & Discern. On Ponder, on Cram, on Review and now Learn.”
• University of Minnesota. The Carlson School of Business receives a surprise visit from a lone saxophonist who is soon joined by nearly 300 of his friends from the School of Music in a flash mob version of “Deck the Halls.”
• University of Oregon. And why a duck?
• West Virginia University. During the holidays a kind of Mountaineer magic spreads across the landscape of the WVU campus.
• Wittenberg University. This truly outstanding black and white video was filmed on an iPhone4S and edited on an iPad2 with iMovie and Silent Film Director. Short on community service hours, Erzy has to “Tiger Up” for the holidays and present gifts to each of the conference rivals—except Wooster. Luckily Erzy’s mentor steps in to put things right. Don’t miss this one!
• Wofford College. An original holiday greeting is performed by talented Wofford students. It’s a catchy little song.

Thank you to the many colleges that forwarded me copies of their videos. I enjoyed each and every one!

Best wishes to all for the Happiest of Holidays!

On the road in Alabama with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA)

Birmingham Southern College

Shrugging off the cool temperatures and overcast skies typical of winter in the deep South, 30+ independent educational consultants, all members of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), recently set out to explore seven of Alabama’s colleges and universities over the course of three days.

While the weather wasn’t perfect, the warm southern hospitality found at each of the campuses more than made up for the chill in the air.

 

And make no mistake—there’s plenty to see in Alabama.  Gorgeous campuses, reasonable tuition, impressive scholarships, and a tradition of academic excellence make it easy to understand why these colleges are attracting an increasing number of out-of-state students. 

Auburn University

Auburn is one of the largest universities in the South and one of few universities in the country designated as a land, sea and space grant university.  And as an academic community, Auburn distinguishes itself in many ways:  the first bachelor of wireless engineering in the country; one of only 5 universities with capability and expertise to conduct research into nuclear waste storage and recycling; Auburn’s new curriculum in automotive engineering and manufacturing is the first of its kind in the Southeast; Auburn’s Raptor Center is the Southeast’s only full-service, on-campus medical and rehabilitation center for birds of prey; and Auburn has consistently been a leader in aviation education and research.

Auburn’s surge in popularity has resulted in a small overenrollment issue, which means that enrollment will be “capped” this year.  For fall 2013, 4592 freshmen enrolled at Auburn University, bringing undergraduate enrollment to 20,629—about 900 over target, according to admissions officials. The goal this year will be to bring numbers more under control by limiting the incoming class to 4400. 

Auburn’s application is released on September 1 and the first decisions, based only on test scores and grade point averages, are rolled out on October 15.  Scholarships are generous, ranging from full tuition plus a $1000 technology stipend (32-36 ACT or 1400-1600 SAT and a minimum 3.5 GPA) to $3000 per year (28-29 ACT or 1250-1320 SAT and a minimum 3.5 GPA).  War Eagle!

Birmingham Southern College

The “most nontraditional college president in America today,” General Charles “Chuck” Krulak spent his first year at Birmingham Southern College (BSC) living in the dorms to better understand the student experience.  And from the experience, he came up with the idea for the RISE3 (Research, Internships, Service, Experience) initiative. RISE3 challenges students to apply their skills in the real world by exploring a variety of experiences connected to academics. 

Big news at BSC is the introduction of an on-campus cadaver lab.  With a substantial donation, the biology department purchased the necessary supplies and equipment so that 16 students in human anatomy would have access to two bodies in the new laboratory.  Pre-med students consider the experience a real advantage for medical school applications.

Samford  University

A Christian university located on a stunning campus in a scenic corner of Birmingham, Samford currently enrolls 68% of its students from out of state and likes to remind visitors that it’s the #1 top-ranked university in Alabama, according to Forbes, Inc. Although most of the facilities on the Birmingham campus are relatively new, Samford is actually the 87^th oldest university in the U.S. and the 6^th oldest in Alabama.  But you wouldn’t know judging from the modern academic buildings and 28 state-of-the-art residence halls housing 2,241 students in 1,309 rooms.

For athletes, the Samford Bulldogs compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports.  Between 2008 and 2014, Samford has won 19 conference championships and 20 players have been drafted into professional sports.  And tailgating is huge!

But at the core of the Samford experience is its Christian commitment and motto:  “For God, for learning, forever.”

Tuskegee University

Founded in 1881 by Booker T. Washington, Tuskegee University offers an impressive variety of programs contained within seven colleges:  the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Science; the College of Business and Information Science; the College of Engineering; the School of Architecture and Construction Science; the College of Arts and Sciences; the School of Education; and the College of Veterinary Medicine, Nursing and Allied Health.

One of the “top ranked” Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) in the United States, Tuskegee is situated on 5,000 acres of land—450 of which make up the main campus—and is the only university in the nation designated as a National Historic District Site.

Particularly noteworthy for prospective students is the Tuskegee National Center for Bioethics in Research and Health Care, which grew out of President Clinton’s 1997 apology to the nation, the survivors of the Syphillis Study, Tuskegee University, and Tuskegee/Macon County for the US Public Health Service medical experiment conducted from 1932 to 1972.  More than $20 million in grants and pledges have been made to Tuskegee to help grow and operate the Center, which supports an interdisciplinary undergraduate Bioethics minor.

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, offers one of the most generous National Merit scholarship programs in the country and is a leader among public universities nationwide in the enrollment of National Merit Scholars, with more than 600 currently enrolled.  Scholars receive the value of tuition for up to 5 years or 10 semesters for degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as one year of on-campus housing, a $3,500 per year stipend for 4 years, a one-time allowance of $2,000 for use in summer research or international study, and an iPad.  “We like to think we are recruiting scholars in the way we recruit athletes.”

And the results are clear.  Forty-one UA students have been named Goldwater Scholars in the last 25 years, including two in 2014.  UA has produced a total of 15 Rhodes Scholars, 14 Truman Scholars, and numerous Hollings Scholars.  Eight graduates have accepted Fulbright awards to study and teach abroad during 2014-15, and 27 UA faculty have received NSF CAREER Awards—the nation’s most prestigious recognition of young scientists.

University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)

While deeply embroiled in a controversy involving the future of its football team, the University of Alabama at Birmingham continues to stand tall in academics and boasts of remarkable growth in “size, quality, reputation and impact.”   In 1969, UAB became an independent institution, one of the autonomous universities within the newly created three-campus University of Alabama System.  It is now the largest research institution in the state of Alabama, the largest employer in Birmingham, and is a nationally recognized academic health center with schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Optometry.

Some of UAB’s more unique programs include Neuroscience, Forensic Sciences (with emphasis on cybercrime), Medical Industrial Distribution, Biomedical Engineering, and Musical Theatre.  In the works are undergrad programs in Cancer Biology, Immunology, and Bioinformatics.

Admitted students are offered up to $300 in travel vouchers to see the campus—why not?  And once enrolled, students have access to the Motorist Assistance Roadside Service (MARS)—a free service available to all visitors, students, and employees parking on campus who need help with a dead battery, flat tire, keys locked in a car, or empty gas tank.  Sweet!

University of Montevallo

Founded in 1896 as the Alabama Girls’ Industrial School, the University of Montevallo opened its doors to men in 1956.  Today, it’s Alabama’s only public liberal arts university offering more than 30 degree programs featuring approximately 75 majors.

Originally designed by the Olmstead brothers of Central Park and Biltmore Estate fame, the campus features 73 buildings including 3 antebellum structures.  And the university boasts of the oldest homecoming tradition in the United States known as College Night, during which the entire campus divides into Purple or Gold sides for various events and competitions.

New this year is the President’s Outdoor Scholars program:  “Simplify your life, unplug and enjoy the great outdoors with like-minded students who love experiencing Mother Nature as much as you.”  The program includes activities ranging from bass fishing to duck hunts to guided big-game hunts, together with partial scholarships for students “who have distinguished accomplishments in outdoor sports and demonstrated a personal commitment to conservation.”