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Graduation Ceremony

October College Success Newsletter

As we find ourselves deep in the college application process, I wanted to share a quote that feels fitting:

 

“Determination is doing what needs to be done even when you don’t feel like doing it.”

 

In this edition, we cover essential topics like selecting colleges that support students with learning differences, exploring the unique major of Digital Humanities, tips for managing application costs, and time management strategies for teens. I hope you find these resources helpful!

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Topic of the Month
What is Demonstrated Interest?

Showing interest in colleges can boost your admission chances, as schools prioritize yield rates. Here’s how to effectively demonstrate enthusiasm for your top-choice schools this fall.

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Money Matters
Keeping Application Costs in Check

Applying to college can be costly, with fees ranging from $50 to $100 per school. A student applying to ten colleges may spend around $700 just on applications. How can you keep it in check?

Image by Leon Wu

College Spotlight
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

RPI is a leading private research university in STEM fields, known for innovation and hands-on learning, located in Troy, NY. It renowned for its focus on STEM fields.

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Now is the Time
Time Management Tips for Teens

Managing your time effectively can help you juggle school, friends, and hobbies without feeling overwhelmed. Learn some simple ways to take control of your schedule.

Image by Matt Ragland

Major Spotlight
Digital Humanities

Digital Humanities merges traditional humanities with technology, offering a modern approach to studying literature, history, and art in the digital era.

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Support Corner
Learning Differences & College Selection

Transitioning to college can be challenging for students requiring academic accommodations. Understanding how to navigate options is essential for a successful transition.

College Spotlight
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY

Nestled in the historic city of Troy, New York, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is a private research university renowned for its focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Founded in 1824, RPI is the oldest technological research university in the United States and continues to be at the forefront of technological education and innovation.​

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By the Numbers

  • Undergraduate enrollment: 5,564

  • Women: 31%

  • Men: 69%

  • Admission rate: 53%

  • Student Faculty Ratio: 13:1

  • Campus Type: Urban

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Student Quotes

  • “The workload gets pretty intense, but everybody helps each other out to be as relaxed and prepared as possible.”

  • “Two of my freshman classes were taught by CEOs of successful companies.”

  • “Whether you are into dancing, coding, playing video games, playing sports, modifying cares, or going on outdoor trips, there are plenty of social groups that offer what you are looking for.”

  • “The curriculum and the attitudes of the students reflect a professional development-oriented culture.”

  • “Hockey at RPI equals insanity.”

 

What is one word or phrase that best describes your school?​

(Niche.com)

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​​​Academics

RPI offers degree programs through five schools: Engineering, Science, Architecture, Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and the Lally School of Management. The institute is particularly known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and game design.

 

The core curriculum is designed to cultivate well-rounded graduates by combining a concentration in a major with broad exposure to the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) as well as Mathematics and Science disciplines. 

 

Popular majors include Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. RPI also offers interdisciplinary programs that combine technology with other fields, such as Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences.

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The Arch

The Arch is a unique academic program that enhances students' educational experience. During The Arch, students spend the summer after their sophomore year living on campus and taking junior-level courses, benefiting from focused attention from professors at a crucial point in their academic journey. Following this intensive summer semester, students leave the Troy campus for either the fall or spring semester of their junior year to engage in an Individual Learning Experience (ILE). This ILE can take various forms, such as a co-op, internship, civic engagement project, research opportunity, entrepreneurial venture, or international experience. These real-world opportunities are designed to better prepare students for future professional careers and graduate studies.

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Campus & Residential Life

RPI's campus, situated on a hill overlooking Troy, offers a blend of historic architecture and modern facilities. The city of Troy, with its revitalized downtown area, provides students with a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Albany, the state capital, is just a short drive away, offering additional cultural and recreational opportunities.

 

Campus life at RPI is vibrant and diverse, with over 200 student organizations catering to a wide range of interests. The institute has a strong Greek life presence, with approximately 15% of students participating in fraternities or sororities. RPI's athletic teams, known as the Engineers, compete in NCAA Division III.

 

Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus and about about 60% of all undergraduates live on campus. The institute offers a variety of housing options, including traditional dormitories, apartment-style living, and special interest housing communities.​

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Random Things

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The Approach: A grand staircase known as "The Approach" connects the RPI campus to downtown Troy, symbolizing the institute's connection to the community.​

EMPAC: The Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) is a state-of-the-art facility that hosts cutting-edge performances and serves as a hub for artistic and technological innovation.​

Phalanx Honor Society: This secret society, founded in 1912, recognizes student leaders who have "worked in the background" to improve student life at RPI.

Hockey Tradition: RPI has a strong ice hockey tradition, with its men's team winning national championships in 1954 and 1985.​

AiMOS, the Artificial Intelligence Multiprocessing Optimized System: RPI hosts AiMos, the most powerful supercomputer housed in a private university.

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Major Spotlight
Digital Humanities

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the boundaries between technology, culture, and the humanities are increasingly blurred. This intersection is the focus of an emerging interdisciplinary area of study known as Digital Humanities (DH), which explores how digital tools can be used to analyze, interpret, and present cultural and historical content. Digital Humanities offers students a unique blend of traditional humanities subjects—such as literature, history, and art—with cutting-edge technology and media studies, creating a dynamic and versatile area of study for the 21st century.

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What is Digital Humanities?

Digital Humanities applies computational tools and digital methodologies to traditional humanities research. Stanford describes their DH minor as embracing “computer science, sociology, literature, history, geography, engineering, political science, economics, anthropology, media studies, studio art and more… DH is by its nature collaborative, interdisciplinary, project-based, transcultural & transhistorical.” It involves rethinking how we approach and understand the humanities in an age where digital media dominates our lives. At its core, Digital Humanities seeks to answer complex questions about human culture, history, and society using digital tools that allow for new forms of analysis and representation. For example, a student might use text mining software to analyze patterns in 19th-century literature or employ geographic information systems (GIS) to map historical events like violent crime rates across time and space. 

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Here are just a few colleges and universities offering majors, minors, or concentrations, each with its unique approach:

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Bucknell University - Digital Humanities and Comparative Digital Humanities: offers both a major and a concentration that allow students to explore how digital tools can be applied to humanities research, emphasizing comparing digital practices across different cultures and historical periods.

Stanford University - Digital Humanities (Minor): Focuses on integrating digital tools with traditional humanities research, offering students opportunities to work on projects involving digital archives, text analysis, and multimedia storytelling.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Digital Humanities (Minor): Includes courses in digital media, cultural analysis, and the creation of digital projects that engage with historical and cultural content.

New York University (NYU) - Media, Culture, and Communication: offers a strong foundation in digital media studies, exploring the cultural impact of digital technologies and media.

University of Virginia (UVA) - Digital Humanities (Concentration within the Media Studies major) allows students to integrate digital tools with humanities research, focusing on media studies, history, and literature.

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Digital Humanities could be the perfect fit for students fascinated by literature, history, or art but also love working with digital tools or coding. Consider whether you enjoy projects that combine creative and analytical skills, such as developing a website, analyzing trends in social media, or creating digital art. Students curious about how technology can be used to explore cultural and historical questions and who are excited about using digital tools to present their research in innovative ways will likely find Digital Humanities a rewarding and engaging field of study.

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Digital Humanities is ideal for students who are interested in both understanding the past and shaping the future through the lens of technology and culture. As our world becomes increasingly digital, the skills and insights gained from studying Digital Humanities will be invaluable in a wide range of careers, from academia and cultural institutions to media, technology, and beyond.

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Career Paths for Digital Humanities

· Digital Archivist

· User Experience (UX)   Designer

· Content Strategist

· Data Analyst

· Digital Curator

· Digital Project Manager

· Media Analyst

· Interactive Media Producer

· Academic Researcher/Professor

· Digital Communications Specialist

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Courses in Digital Humanities

· Digital Storytelling & Multi-Media Projects

· Critical Media Studies

· Text Mining & Data Analysis

· Digital Mapping & Spatial Humanities

Money Matters
Keeping Application Costs in Check

Applying to college can be a costly proposition.  According to U.S. News and World Report (2022), college application fees can range from $50-$100 per college.  Add in the cost of standardized test score reports and, at some high schools, fees for transcript requests, and the costs can quickly add up. For example, a student applying to just 10 universities may have to pay $700 in application fees alone.

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Here are five ways families can keep college application costs under control:

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Build a thoughtful college list

Few students truly need to apply to 15 or more colleges.  Resist the temptation to add colleges to your list that you know little about or would not attend if admitted.  Make sure to include several colleges that you love where you will have a high probability of admission.  Then prune your “reach” schools to a manageable number. Not only will this strategy save your family money on application fees, but it will also allow you to do a better job on each  application.

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Create an application budget

As you begin to research colleges, check the application fees for the colleges you’re considering.  The College Board, the Common Application, Naviance, and other tools make it easy to quickly get an overview of application fees. While a free application should never be your only reason for applying to a particular college, more than 400 colleges and universities never charge application fees.

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Read the application instructions on each college’s website

Once you’ve decided where you will apply, be sure to read the application instructions on each college’s admission website. Many colleges waive application fees for certain types of applicants, but these “specials” aren’t always reflected or explained in the information provided by third-party systems. 

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For example, if you relied only on the Common Application requirements grid, you would not know that the University of New Haven waives its $50 application fee if you apply by early action or early decision deadlines, or that the University of Chicago waives its $75 fee for students applying for financial aid.  Other colleges waive fees for students who visit campus or who apply using the school’s own application.

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Each time you take the SAT or ACT, you can request that up to four score reports be sent to the colleges you applied to without a charge. It is not advisable to review your scores prior to sending. Some schools offer the option of sending self-reported scores, which can reduce costs.

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Stay organized

Some high schools also charge extra for last-minute transcript requests.  Organize a calendar and stick to a plan for getting all of your application materials to your colleges well ahead of deadlines. 

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While the costs associated with applying to college can seem daunting, you can keep college application costs manageable by being strategic in selecting schools, utilizing fee waivers, and exploring free application options. Your school counselor can also help to identify additional resources to make this process more affordable.

Now is the Time
Time Management for Teens

Managing your time effectively can help you juggle school, friends, and hobbies without feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few simple ways to take control of your schedule to stay organized and stress-free:

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Create a To-Do List: List everything you need to complete. Break big tasks (like studying for exams) into smaller, manageable steps. Prioritize by focusing on the most important tasks first, such as homework or upcoming projects. Another tool for prioritizing is the Eisenhower Matrix, a simple way to consider prioritizing tasks based on the urgency and importance of the activity. This matrix consists of four quadrants: Urgent and Important, Urgent but Not Important, Not Urgent but Important, and Not Urgent and Not Important. Additionally, another way to stay organized is the SMART goal system which is a specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goal.

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Use a Calendar: Whether you prefer a digital calendar (Google Calendar, Apple Calendar) or a physical planner, keeping track of deadlines and events is key. Block out time for each activity. For example, if you have a math test on Friday, schedule study sessions earlier in the week. Don’t forget to include downtime for relaxation or fun with friends!

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Set Deadlines: Besides school deadlines, set personal ones to help you stay on track. If a project is due in two weeks, aim to finish it a few days early. This way, you’ll avoid the last-minute rush.

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Eliminate Distractions: When it’s time to focus, silence your phone or use apps like Forest or Focus@Will to stay on task. Set a timer for 30-45 minutes of focused work, followed by a short break.

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Stay Flexible: Life happens, and plans can change. If you miss something, don’t stress! Adjust your schedule and move on.

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By mastering these skills, you’ll not only get more done but also have more time for the things you love. Time management is a habit worth building!

Support Corner
Learning Differences and College Selection

Transitioning to college can be a significant change, especially for students who require academic accommodations for ADHD and/or other learning differences. Though some students are hesitant about applying for accommodations in college, it’s better to have them in place and not use them than to wish you had applied for them.

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Colleges offer differing levels of support to students with learning differences and ADHD. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, all schools must provide a basic level of accommodations to students with physical, psychological or learning disabilities. Academic accommodations, such as extended time or a non-distracting room for exams, are meant to equalize the learning environment and are available at no cost.

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A key distinction students should be aware of is the difference in how accommodations are handled in high school compared to college. In high school, accommodations are usually provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which focuses on student success. Schools, teachers, and counselors proactively identify needs, implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), or 504 plans, and ensure the necessary accommodations are provided. The school bears much of the responsibility to make sure students receive the help they need.

In contrast, college accommodations operate under a different legal framework—mainly the ADA and Section 504. These laws prioritize access, not guaranteed success, meaning that while colleges must provide accommodations to create equal opportunities, students are expected to take much more responsibility for managing their own support.

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The basic accommodation model can work well for students who have developed good learning skills, can self-advocate, and don’t need individualized support. Students at colleges that offer basic accommodations must take the initiative to secure the appropriate academic accommodations. While all colleges must offer at least minimal services, some provide additional programs such as time-management workshops and access to assistive technology.

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Schools with structured support go beyond basic accommodations and offer additional support outside the classroom. This can include group or individual sessions to help students with reading comprehension, writing, speaking, listening, and time management. Some of these programs also provide summer pre-orientation sessions to prepare students for college courses, familiarize them with campus resources, and introduce them to peers with similar learning differences.

Other colleges provide more comprehensive support. These programs teach learning strategies and skills based on a student’s learning style. One of the most well-known comprehensive programs is the Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) Center at the University of Arizona. Students are assigned to learning specialists who provide individualized academic support and help them learn new strategies for success in the university environment. Specially trained tutors and writing support are available, as is a computer lab that provides access to assistive technologies.

Another option is a school such as Landmark College in Vermont that focuses exclusively on students with learning differences, dyslexia, Autism, executive functioning challenges, and ADHD. Students receive extensive support as they develop learning strategies, and most go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree, either at Landmark (which also offers associate degrees) or at another college. Programs that offer support beyond basic accommodations usually charge fees, which can run several thousand dollars a year, depending on the level of service. Students who need support in college for a disability must have proper documentation. Check with each school for their requirements. Colleges require current documentation of a disability, often within three years, from a medical or educational professional. When visiting colleges, students should stop by the academic support office to find out the available services offered. The attitude of the staff is important in determining whether a college offers a good environment for a student. Talking to students who have similar learning differences is also a great way to determine whether the school is supportive.

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Students who know their strengths and challenges are in the best position to find schools that offer the support they need and are likely to be successful in college. For more detailed information, the K&W Guide is a good resource.

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