Saturday, April 26, 2014
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Shell Shock Chapter Research
Expert Interview Videos:
Olivia Desser, senior engineering major
Olivia Desser, senior engineering major
Olivia gives abroad related advice to incoming UMD students
Olivia shares why she thinks incoming freshman should go abroad at some point during their time at UMD
Olivia explains what she learned from her two different abroad experiences
Olivia talks about why she chose the two different and unique programs she went on
Olivia discusses her two different abroad experiences, including a co-op in Texas.
Monday, February 24, 2014
College Applicants have Started Sending in Additional Creative Supplements as Part of the Application
Recently, one University of Maryland applicant, Ryan, in
addition to the traditional application required, attached a YouTube video
singing a cover of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” with Maryland inspired lyrics to
his application, in the hopes of making a good impression.
The Next Generation of College Applications
In an age where people’s lives revolve around
technology, it’s hard to
believe that college applications still take such a traditional route and that
more people don’t hear of unique application supplements.
Shannon Gundy, director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, explained that although she can’t discuss specific individuals due to privacy concerns, students are discouraged from submitting supplemental materials, unlike many previously thought. With over 26,000 applications sent in this year, there isn't enough time to view all the mandatory parts of the applications and the extra supplements, as well.
Shannon Gundy, director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, explained that although she can’t discuss specific individuals due to privacy concerns, students are discouraged from submitting supplemental materials, unlike many previously thought. With over 26,000 applications sent in this year, there isn't enough time to view all the mandatory parts of the applications and the extra supplements, as well.
Gundy explained that with such a high volume of students and supplemental materials coming through the office, such as drawings, CDs, and newspaper articles, among others, the admissions office is unable to review the extra materials and students are, instead, admitted based on merit.
Gundy went on explaining that she wasn't sure how this one video garnered so much attention, since most of these supplements aren't even viewed and the video came out after acceptances had already been released.
Gundy explains how to perfect your application
Gundy explains how to perfect your application
During the application process, there are many ways students
can distinguish themselves, explained Gundy. They range from simple and easy tasks, such as thoroughly reading the directions and submitting the finished application by the priority deadline, to writing a a strong personal essay. Another important factor is selecting an appropriate person to write the required recommendations.
“It's important that the recommendations are not just an affirmation of good character, but that they provide substantial information that allows us to learn more about the student than we already know," explained Gundy.
All is Fair in…the College Application Process?
With such a simple application required for college
admission, applicants have a hard time trying to stand out
without using other tools.
However, just because there are other mediums available for applicants to showcase their talents, doesn’t mean they should be
used.
Although Gundy explained that most of these supplements are
not viewed, other students still might find the idea of admissions officers potentially seeing these additions to be unfair.
However, one UMD
student, Kyla Young, isn't one of those students. Young thinks that it’s fair
for students to send in these supplements that could potentially be seen and be
the cause of an acceptance, even though others who followed the actual
application might not get in.
“I think it’s fair because the admissions officers wouldn’t have let someone like Ryan in based on pure creativity, they also have to be worthy of an acceptance,” explained Young.
Although there are a variety of ways for college applicants to stand out, such as using a supplement, it's controversial about whether or not these supplements are even looked at and if it's a fair advantage over other applicants.
“I can understand that a student may assume that a supplemental material that they submitted may have impacted the admission decision, but it’s the case that students are reviewed on their own merits,” said Gundy.
Photo Source Credit: University of Maryland Admissions Website
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Social Media is Not the First Stop for UMD Students Who Want to Keep Updated on Snowstorm News
With a snowstorm fast approaching, students on the University of Maryland campus are heading to different sources to get their snowstorm information. However, students aren't heading to social media outlets first for storm updates, but rather the more traditional route of reputable news channels and weather apps to make sure they get the most reliable information.
One student trusts the reliable University's "Emergency Preparedness" system, which includes emergency texts alerts, instead of the sometimes questionable updates taken from other social media outlets.
Jessica, a sophomore journalism major, explains that her first stop for information about the upcoming storm is the weather app on her phone, later checking Twitter for a first hand account of weather conditions.
With so many credible sources to find out information pertaining to the upcoming snowstorm, as well as various ways to find out if there are campus emergency alerts from the university itself, UMD students don't feel the need to rely on debatable information from social media.
Picture Source: National Weather Service
Monday, February 10, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Monday, February 3, 2014
Mobile Story Project Ideas
1. The Next Generation of College Applications
College applications are always a stress factor for seniors
in high school, trying to get into their top schools. Recently, one high school
senior applied to UMD by sending in a video of his Maryland related lyrics to
Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours.” How many students find provocative and new ways to
stand out during this application process? I can do man on the street video
interviews of college freshman and ask them what they did to make their
applications stand out. As an expert
source, I can interview a few people who work in the admissions office to see
what they are looking for and hear about some of the interesting applications
they have received. I can take pictures or video of the admissions building and
the UMD application as well.
2. The New Book Exchange
Everyone on campus knows that where the Maryland Book
Exchange once was, is now a big hole in the ground. However, what a lot of
people haven’t noticed is that the Book Exchange has moved to a much smaller
location on Knox Rd. near CP Ship and Mail. I could interview workers at the
Book Exchange and see how the move has affected the store’s popularity. I could
have them explain whether or not a lot of students still come to the store and
what is different about this store versus the old one. I could also do man on
the street interviews for students to see if they know the Book Exchange has
reopened and moved and if they like the new store. I could take videos and
pictures of the new store and where the old one used to be.
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