This is it, your last year in high school. As exciting as this is, you have probably already been thinking about your next academic step- college. The International Admission Office at Roger Williams University understands that this is a very busy time, however we also understand the importance of being prepared when it comes to choosing your colleges and completing your applications.
Here are some helpful tips and resource links that can aid you during your college searches.
Utilize the Resources Available to You
- If your high school has college counselors or academic advisors make an appointment to sit down with them and discuss your college options. Review your academic history and create a list of colleges that would best fit your needs.
- If you do not have access to college counselors or academic advisors, try and sit down with your parents and discuss with them what you may be interested in studying, what locations or countries may appeal to you and what type of college you would like to attend.
- If you have access to the internet- use it! There are some excellent websites and search engines that can assist you in your college searches. Try collegeboard.com as a launching point! As an added bonus, with today’s technology, not only can you research schools by reading their web pages, you can also take virtual tours and have digital video conferences with admissions counselors.
Research, Research, Research!
- When going through various search engines, college resource guides, or when you are visiting specific college websites, make sure you are keeping notes. Create profiles for each college you are interested in. List specifics such as: location, tuition cost, class size, areas of study, professor to student ratio, requirements for application, dates and deadlines for application submissions, financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Ask yourself a lot of questions. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of different kinds of colleges out there. It is helpful to narrow it down by asking questions like: What do I want to study? What kind of school do I want to attend? What is my financial situation? What country do I want to study in? By fully researching the schools you are interested in and making sure they meet your requirements, you will be able to eliminate certain colleges and narrow it down to a select few.
- Look into entrance and application requirements. Be sure to take note of each college’s specific requirements as they will vary between schools.
- Know all of the dates and deadlines for application, financial aid, medical and student visa forms. It is of the utmost importance that you send all required information in on time and follow up with either an email or phone call to make sure that all forms were properly received.
Helpful Suggestions
- RWU’s International Admission staff suggests that you apply to at least six schools- two schools that are your “dream choices” or “reach schools,” two schools that closely fit your academic profile and financial needs, and two schools that are your “safety” schools or guaranteed admittance.
- Be realistic when making your decision on which colleges you will apply to. If you know that your academic profile is not up to par with the requirements of a particular college do not apply there. The goal is to apply to a number of colleges that will accept you. Choices are a good thing, however if you reach beyond your abilities this could limit the amount of choices that you have. Keeping that in mind, within the spectrum of colleges you do qualify for, strive for the best. Be particular in your decision making and look for colleges that offer you the best possible education.
- As helpful as virtual tours or detailed websites can be, if at all possible you may want to come and physically visit your potential colleges, especially before you make your final decision. It is easier to gauge which college is the right fit if you can actually see it first-hand and meet with some of the people who work and study there.
The most important thing during this process is to be yourself. Have confidence in who you are and what you have to offer. Remember the importance of putting your best foot forward and keeping up with your current studies. This can be a very stressful time but it does not have to be. Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy it!
If you have any questions please contact us and we will gladly assist you in any way we can!
It is officially Fall. Students are back in school and that can only mean one thing- Roger Williams International Admission staff is heading your way! Whether you are in your senior year or just interested in getting ahead in your college searches, we will gladly speak to you about the application process and answer any questions you might have about studying in the U.S.
If you are interested in connecting with us we will be at various locations. Look for us at your College Fairs, High School Visits or through Digital Video Conferences.
For those of you whose schools have Digital Video Conference facilities or if you have Skype, please feel free to connect with us at any time. Also if you would like to set up a one-on-one information session while we are visiting your high school contact us and we will gladly set that up!
For specific locations and dates please refer to our continuously updating International Travel Schedules.
We look forward to meeting you!
When asked which three words would best describe her, Maria Adkins knew right away what her answer would be: Caring, Global and Explorer. Given her position at Roger Williams University as Assistant Director of the Intercultural Center, those three words could not have been a better fit.
When I sat down with Maria for our interview I could tell right away how much she cares about the students at RWU. Furthermore, her passion for global and cultural understanding consistently aids her in helping bridge the gap between the various religions, cultures and ethnicities on RWU’s campus. Maria’s creative exploration on effective ways to bridge these gaps and build a bond and understanding between the students is what makes her such an important part of the International community.
OW: Hi, Maria.
MA: Hello.
OW: I’m wondering if we can start from the beginning. Where did you attend college?
MA: I attended the University of New Hampshire for undergrad and received a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and French.
OW: You also have a master’s, correct?
MA: Yes, I received a master’s in International Education from The School for International Training.
OW: Did you study abroad at all during your academic career?
MA: Yes, I studied for one year at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France.
OW: Was it a good experience?
MA: Yes, it was wonderful. It was one of the reasons why I fell in love with traveling and exploring other cultures and experiences.
OW: Why is international study so important to you?
MA: I grew up in a dual-culture home; my mother was from Sweden and my father was American. Some of my fondest memories are of spending summers with family in Sweden. I have always loved the excitement of not knowing what to expect when traveling and I find there is so much to learn about other cultures just from daily interactions with new people. From my experiences living abroad in France for a year and traveling through Europe, Africa and Latin America, I feel that my education at home has been very American-centric. I believe international study is vitally important in understanding global issues and cultural respect, especially because [the U.S.] is such a diverse nation. Also, in the larger scheme of things, Americans’ actions, both here and abroad, affect so many people globally. I think that if you have the opportunity to study abroad you can better understand this.
OW: How did you get involved in international education?
MA: For three years after graduating from UNH I worked for EF Education in travel sales. This job brought me around the world on trips to Kenya, Eastern Europe, Egypt, Ireland and more. Despite the exhilarating trips, I felt something was missing. I wanted to be able to work with students and share with them the same experiences I had when I studied abroad: the culture-shock, awe and trepidation, followed by being aware and adapting to another culture that was completely different from my own. My path led me to become involved with international students and pursue a master’s degree in international education.
OW: What is your favorite part of being the Assistant Director of the Intercultural Center?
MA: I really enjoy getting to know all the international students through the various activities we hold throughout the year. Whether it is working with students to put up international booths at Global Fest, or bringing students on a ski trip, or a tour of New York City, it is always interesting to learn more about different people and their cultures, as well as being able to introduce students to new opportunities. I also love coordinating the “Hour With” series which gives an international student a chance to share their culture, geography, and history with other students. This monthly program has been very successful this year and tremendously educational.
OW: If you could only give one piece of advice to an incoming international student what would it be?
MA: Be active and engaged in the Roger Williams campus. There are so many opportunities here and your presence on campus is so valued and appreciated. Getting involved with clubs, outings, or sports is a great way to make friends and feel connected to your new “home.”
OW: What do you feel RWU offers to international students that other colleges do not?
MA: I have talked to international students who have transferred from other schools and have been told by a few that other schools do not have such an active Intercultural Center. I think RWU’s Intercultural Center is a great place for students to hang out, cook meals together and learn about various clubs and outings. This year the international students went on trips to shows – such as “Spamalot” and “Riverdance.” They took a duck tour in Boston. They went skiing and snowboarding to Mount Wachusetts. We also enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner and heard a Native American speaker talk about her culture and heritage. Students took a tour of New York City and also went to the Broadway musical “The Lion King.” In addition, we have various active spiritual life groups on campus who call the Intercultural Center their home. So whether you are looking for a place to break your fast for Ramadan, have immigration questions, or want to sign up for a trip, the Intercultural Center is the place to be.
OW: Thank you again, Maria for taking the time to answer all of my questions.
MA: You are very welcome.
OW: Now, for my final question: If you were stranded on a deserted island what would you bring with you?
MA: My husband! And because I’m super practical – water, food, books, radio, first aid kit, building tools and a pina colada!
Please contact us for any further information or questions about the Intercultural Center or their various programs.
The International Admission Office would like to remind your students about signing up and taking their SATs and ACTs. The Scholastic Aptitude Test and the American College Test is only required for international students studying in a United States high school or an international high school overseas with a U.S. based curriculum. SAT scores are recommended for consideration for RWU International Scholarships and for the University Honors Program.
For more information please contact us at the International Admission Office.