Learning Differences in College: Finding Resources & Accommodations

Starting college can be a confusing and stressful time for anyone, but students with learning differences (such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and others) have even more obstacles than most. Fewer than 1 in 20 college students with disabilities report their specific learning disability, and those who wait until after their freshman year to request accommodations were three and a half times more likely to not graduate within 6 years.

This may be because students are reluctant to label themselves as “different” or just because they don’t know where to start. A survey conducted by the National Center for Learning Disabilities found that 75% of parents had a difficult time finding information about college disability services. Despite a student’s reluctance or challenges navigating the accommodations process, proper accommodations can play an important role in simplifying a student’s life and determining their academic success.

One point of note–it’s important for students and parents to understand that accommodations work differently for students in high school than they do in college, and different laws with different intentions apply. Individualized school accommodation plans such as IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) do not carry over to college, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) administers the student’s special education plan only until high school graduation. For college students, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prevents students from being discriminated against due to their disabilities by any college that accepts federal financial assistance, and the American Disabilities Act of 1990 is a federal civil rights law that mandates equal access for students with disabilities. 

As Bryn Mawr College describes it, the major difference between the K-12 and college environment is that K-12 accommodations are designed to ensure student success, whereas college accommodations are designed to provide equal access.

If your student needs accommodations in college. Here are some steps you can take:

Start early: Students themselves (not parents or school personnel) must begin the process. Students should register with the disability services office a few months before they step foot on campus. Students will meet with the disabilities office to discuss the type of support they need and will be required to provide documentation of their disability. They will usually receive a dedicated contact person at the disabilities office for the duration of their accommodations. Accommodations are granted upon two factors: necessity and reasonableness. Common accommodations include extended time on exams, a note-taker or note-taking technology, and a reduced course load. Generally, students will not receive reduced assignments, grading changes, or multiple attempts at exams.

Self-advocate: Students need to be their own self-advocates in college, as they may receive less personal help than they did in high school, and parents are no longer legally allowed to be a part of the process. For example, the method for informing professors depends on the college, but it’s usually up to students to give their accommodation letter from the disabilities office to the professor and explain their specific needs in detail.

Keep up to date: Accommodations often need to be renewed every quarter or semester, and it’s also essential for students to be in communication with their professors. If students encounter any issues receiving their approved accommodations, then they’ll need to contact the disabilities office. Similarly, if students realize that their accommodations are not working well enough, then it’s their responsibility to reach out to the disabilities office to alter them. 

It’s important for students to receive the help that they need. Colleges may be legally required to do so, but success ultimately depends upon the student. Being prepared to navigate this process can ensure a smoother freshman year and beyond.

Tips for Combatting Senioritis

Although senioritis sounds like a medical condition, it’s actually a condition of the mind when high school seniors become unmotivated and feel academically apathetic. This usually happens in the last quarter of high school when mid-term grades have been sent and college acceptances have been received. Students might decide to skip classes or turn in subpar work. It is important to remember that colleges’ offers of admission are conditional and often state, "Your admission is contingent on your continued successful performance." This means colleges reserve the right to deny you admission should your senior year grades drop. Students are expected to maintain their academic performance throughout their senior year. Every year, colleges around the country rescind admission offers.

Signs of senioritis can be difficulty concentrating on schoolwork, caring less about grades, poor attitude, and out-of-control behavior. Suggestions for “curing” senioritis:

● Accept the feelings you are having and know that they are normal.

● Set academic goals in order to have a strong finish.

● Get a job and make some money to use for college.

● Find time to try something new that will feel invigorating, such as volunteering or trying a new

activity.

● Spend time with family and friends.

● Celebrate your accomplishments.

Colleges admit you based on the information in your application, and if there are any changes, you need to let the college know. If you have dropped a class that was listed on the transcript you submitted to colleges or listed in your Common Application, your application has changed. Colleges receive your final transcript during the summer, and you don’t want to find out in July that you no longer have a place in the freshman class. 

It is much better to be proactive and explain why you dropped the class or your grades have dropped. If the drop in academic performance is severe enough to jeopardize your acceptance, admission officers can advise you on how to salvage your admission. 

There’s another reason to keep working hard in school. It makes the transition to college-level work easier. If you start procrastinating during senior year, it’s difficult to get back to good study habits when you arrive at college, where there will be lots of distractions and no parents reminding you to finish your history paper before you go out for pizza with your friends. 

While you do need to keep your grades up, making sure you have some fun will help you avoid burnout. Just don’t go overboard. Summer is less than a few months away, and you will have plenty of time to work and play before going to college. 

It’s not only lower grades that can torpedo an offer of admission. While spray painting the school gym might seem like a fun prank to you and your friends, a disciplinary issue can also mean the end of your college acceptance. 

Students who keep senioritis under control will get their reward when they embark on the great adventure of college in just a few months.

Admissions Office Blogs

Admission Office Blogs

Reading an admissions blog can give both parents and teens an honest view of the admissions process at a particular college. Instead of listening to other parents or friends whose information may be inaccurate, blogs give you facts from Directors of Admission and current students. They are a way to get an idea of what makes each college unique and interesting. Blogs can put a human face on the institutional facade.

Student blogs usually cover information and insights into student life, academics, and the culture at the college. High school students who are reading about the experiences of their peers might feel less stressed and better manage expectations of what college life will be like. Knowing that others have overcome challenges and still achieved their academic goals can be inspirational.

The blogs written by admissions deans offer years of experience and help eliminate myths that a parent or teen may believe. Since the world of college admissions is constantly changing, blogs can provide readers with information on current trends. There may also be details about the application timeline, required documents, and tips for making a strong application.

Here is a list of reader-worthy blogs. Even if there isn’t a college that interests you in this sampling, it may be worth reading some of them to gain a better understanding of college admissions. Some of the blogs could even make you laugh. Remember, when reading the blogs, the writer’s perspectives will vary according to their institution and experiences.

Georgia Tech Admission Blog

Admissions Blog at Illinois

Tulane University Office of Undergrad Admissions Blog

Jon Boeckenstedt

University of Virginia Admissions Blog

Tufts Inside Admissions

Featured Apt Tutor: Corey

Corey

What do you like most about tutoring?

I enjoy working with new students and figuring out what works best for them.

What subjects do you enjoy tutoring the most?

Anything English-related and test strategies. [As a member of our team, Corey has been tutoring the ISEE, SSAT, and SAT for more than five years.]

Why do you like working at Apt Tutoring?

We don’t subscribe to the one-size-fits-all template that many places do.

What did you major in at college, and what was your favorite class?

Corporate Communication Studies, but my favorite classes were actually the Japanese language classes I took. I got to not only learn some of the language but also a bit about the culture.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Spend time with my family, friends, and pets.
 
What’s your favorite book, song (or band), snack food?

Book: The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World

Artist: Taylor Swift

Snack: Hello Pandas

Tell us about a favorite vacation.

My favorite vacation would be the first time I went to Japan with my mom and climbed Mt. Fuji. 

If you could have a coffee with any person dead or alive, who would you choose, and why?

My maternal grandmother because I think she would be a very interesting person to meet. 

Are you a salty or sweet person? What is your favorite salty/sweet snack?

100% sweet. I love any chocolate snack like Take5 bars or sweets, like strawberry laces, in general.

Featured Apt Tutor: CJ

CJ

What do you like most about tutoring?
I like seeing the students excel in learning the material while also enjoying it. It is rewarding to see the student succeed by overcoming the challenge while understanding the outcome and the process.

What subjects do you enjoy tutoring the most?
All types of math are my favorite subjects because the answer is not subjective. The answer is real and the challenge is the process applied to the answer. I enjoy critical thinking and finding different approaches to find solutions to the problem.

Why do you like working at Apt Tutoring?
Apt Tutoring offers one-on-one tutoring, which allows me to give each student my undivided attention and focus to assist the student to achieve their academic endeavors.

What did you major in at college, and what was your favorite class?
I majored in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering for my undergraduate degree. I am completing my master's work in Mechanical Engineering and Naval Engineering. My favorite course is a mix of resistance and propulsion, propellers, and hydrofoils. 

What do you like to do in your free time?
When I am not spending time with my family, I enjoy working out and working on cars in my free time.

What’s your favorite book, song (or band), snack food?My favorite snack food would be pretzels or peanut M&M’s. As far as bands, I do not have a favorite, but my genres are country and rock.

Tell us about a favorite vacation.
My favorite vacation would be the trip my wife and I made to Italy after graduation from college. We traveled by all modes of transportation, visiting four different cities, while taking in all the food, architecture, artwork, and history.

Salty or sweet person? What is your favorite salty/sweet snack? I like both salty and sweet, but if I had to choose, I would say sweet. I never turn down dessert and would say ice cream is my go-to.

Digital SAT: What You Need to Know

As technology continues to shape our educational landscape, the College Board has announced a significant update to the SAT. Enter the Digital SAT, a revamped version of the traditional exam that brings the test-taking experience into the digital age while maintaining the integrity and rigor of the assessment.

Test Format and Scoring

First and foremost, it is imperative to understand that, with the Digital SAT, the test sections and scoring remain unchanged. Students will still encounter the familiar sections—Reading, Writing and Language, and Math—presented in a format similar to the traditional paper-based test. Furthermore, the scoring methodology remains consistent.

Test Navigation and Features

Students can now bring their computers into the test center, creating a more personalized and user-friendly testing experience. It is recommended that you use your own computer since you are most familiar with its functionalities and interface. Make sure to fully charge your computer as you may not have access to an outlet.

If you don’t have a device, the College Board recommends you borrow one from your school, friend, or family member. Be sure to check with the College Board for more detailed information. SAT Device Lending.

To streamline the process, students are advised to download the digital application the night before the test, in order to alleviate stress and avoid last-minute technical issues.

During the test, a proctor will provide an access code, granting students entry into the digital exam environment. Once the test is accessed with the code, all other applications and functionalities on the computer will be disabled in order to maintain test security and integrity.

Navigating the Digital SAT is intuitive and user-friendly. The test interface displays questions at the top of the screen, with answer choices conveniently listed below each question. A timer is featured at the top of the test, allowing students to monitor their progress and pace themselves accordingly.

One notable feature of the Digital SAT is the ability to flag questions and return to them later within the same section. This allows students to manage their time effectively and revisit challenging questions without feeling rushed.

Additionally, students taking the Math section will still be provided with a formula sheet, ensuring fairness and consistency in problem-solving. Furthermore, there will be a calculator embedded in the online test, which will be available to students throughout all the sections.

Adaptive Exam Structure

The adaptive nature of the Digital SAT introduces a dynamic testing experience tailored to each student's proficiency level. For both Math and Reading & Writing, you will find that the first module serves to establish a baseline, determining the initial difficulty level of the questions presented.

As students progress through the exam, the test adapts the questions to each student’s performance, adjusting the difficulty of subsequent questions accordingly. This adaptive approach not only shortens the overall duration of the test but also ensures a more personalized and efficient assessment of a student's skills and knowledge.

Managing Test Anxiety

With the new changes comes the need to manage test anxiety effectively. The Digital SAT's adaptive format may initially catch some students off guard, especially as they encounter questions of varying difficulty levels. The more familiar you become with the types of questions and timing of the test, the more relaxed you will be on test day. One of the important factors in taking the digital SAT is practice. Try taking a full-length practice test simulating the test day environment. This should be done using a computer adaptive test. That means no cell phones or other distractions. After receiving the results, you will know which areas to focus on. Continue this process until you have achieved your desired results. Learning breathing techniques to focus and calm your nerves will also help on test day. Get to the test site early so you can settle in. Make sure to get enough sleep and eat a healthy dinner and breakfast before the test.

For those who want to opt out of taking the SAT, make sure to check FairTest.org to find schools that are test optional.

Financial Matters: The Hidden Costs of College

College financial aid packages should start arriving this month, but when you begin to compare your out-of-pocket costs, be sure to include expenses that go beyond room, board, and tuition. These costs may vary from one institution to another, but they add up quickly.

Books- According to the College Board (2021-2022 academic year), full-time undergraduates at a four-year university spent an average of $1,240 on books and supplies. Buying new textbooks from the university bookstore is expensive. Students can look on Amazon, Cheapest Textbooks, or even Barnes and Noble, and they can also buy used textbooks to save money.

Another possibility is the campus library, though this option may not always be available because of the amount of text books available. When done with the books, consider reselling them.

Food- Meal plans differ from college to college—buy the plan that best reflects the way you are likely to eat. According to the Education Data Initiative (August 2023), college students spend an average of $410 a month eating off campus, in addition to the average meal plan of $331. Food costs also vary depending on the location of the college.

Transportation- Distance from home and availability of lower-cost travel options should be considered. If you will be traveling by air, buy tickets well in advance for peak travel periods such as Thanksgiving. Bringing a car to campus? Better add in the cost of parking, gas, and maybe some parking tickets.

Greek Life- Costs associated with going Greek can be expensive. In addition to chapter dues, initiation fees can range from hundreds to even thousands. Sometimes even higher costs are incurred when living in a sorority or fraternity house rather than in campus housing. Special activities also can be costly.

Club and Organization Fees- These can include fees for intramural sports, political groups, or professional organizations.

Studying Abroad- Expenses are often incurred including air travel, living expenses, and visas. Some colleges will provide stipends to cover additional expenses so that more students can experience a semester abroad.

Decorating and Furnishing Living Spaces- Dorms usually provide basic furniture and lighting. Students will need to provide their bedding, lamps, rugs, and posters. Once they move off campus, they may also need to buy furniture, beds, and kitchen supplies.

Emergency Expenses- Though unpredictable, they are inevitable, whether it is a trip to the emergency room, a car repair or a lost laptop. It is helpful to have some money reserved.

St. Lawrence University Visits Apt Tutoring

St. Lawrence University

Christopher, Assistant Director of Admissions at St. Lawrence College in Canton, NY, met with us at our office. 

New majors at St. Lawrence include finance, digital media and film, biological medical sciences, and public health. Christopher emphasized, however, that It’s okay not to know what you want to do. St. Lawrence students can create a major, and 70% will double major.

Since 90% of its students live on campus, St. Lawrence provides its students with a supportive and vibrant community.

Small but mighty, the St. Lawrence’s alumni network is one of the strongest in the country. In fact, St. Lawrence is #4 on Princeton Review’s list for alumni network and prof accessibility.

Christopher encourages applicants to visit the campus, which is a 6.5-hour drive from Boston.

Thank you for taking th time to visit with us, Christopher!

Mitchell College Visits Apt Tutoring

Mitchell College

Tyler from Mitchell College stopped by our office to tell us about what’s new on campus. Located on the waterfront of New London, CT, Mitchell has a new public health major and has made some changes to its business major.

A graduate of Mitchell, Tyler told us about his experience studying business and sports management. With only 550 students — all undergraduates — Mitchell is dedicated to supporting its students.

In addition to the Bentsen program, which provides academic support, Mitchell offers the Thames Program, a transition program for students who are college-able but not college-ready.

We enjoyed hearing about Mitchell’s traditions like the Beach Bash for accepted and deposited students, Winter Ball, and Spring Soiree. On weekends, Mitchell Resident Assistants plan movie nights and block parties.

Featured Apt Tutor: Mark

Mark

What do you like most about tutoring?
Helping students be successful. It’s very rewarding to teach or explain math concepts to a student who is not sure of how to solve math problems. Having them understand the process and arrive at a solution is wonderful to see.

What subjects do you enjoy tutoring the most?
All math courses and levels from grades 7-12.  

Why do you like working at Apt Tutoring?
Great management, friendly, professional tutors, and an excellent environment for optimal teaching and learning.

What did you major in at college, and what was your favorite class?
I was a liberal arts major at Villanova University, which means I enrolled in a variety of science, math, English, philosophy, psychology, and business classes. My favorite class was a physiology class, where we studied the effects of exposure to different external stimuli on animals. In graduate school at Boston College, I majored in finance.

What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to work out, listen to music, play basketball, sail, golf, and do yard work. I spend quality time with my three daughters and all the grandkids.

What’s your favorite book, song, or band?
I enjoy reading; I read at least two books per month. It's mostly fiction, but I do like non-fiction books as well. There are so many great music artists. How do you select?  I like old-school music, such as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and CSNY, but the 1980s had great music as well.

Tell us about a favorite vacation  
Family trip to Disney World with my wife and three daughters. Great family time! How can you beat Tower of Terror and Rocking Rollercoaster for rides?

If you could have a coffee with any person dead or alive? Who would you choose and Why?
Probably my parents because I miss them so much and it would be fun to talk with them about everything. I might also select Presidents Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. To speak with the early great leaders would be cool.  

Salty or sweet person?   
Both. My favorite food is seafood.

Fun Fact
I have a fraternal twin brother. 

Featured Apt Tutor: Alexis

Alexis

What do you like most about tutoring?

I love guiding students through challenging material in different ways and witnessing the "aha" moments. I believe everyone, regardless of their background, has the potential to learn any subject with perseverance and a supportive teacher.

What subjects do you enjoy tutoring the most?

Math and science, especially neuroscience, chemistry. and biology. I love studying all the things that we can't see that allows our bodies to function.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Woodworking, paddleboarding, ice skating, fitness and outdoor activities, cooking (and eating), fixing things like my car, and hopefully ballet soon.

What’s your favorite book, song (or band), snack food?

I am currently enjoying reading Adam Grant books. He is a business psychologist who inspires you to do things like find your Hidden Potential.

If you could have a coffee with any person dead or alive? Who would you choose, and why?

I would have tea with Patrice Bergeron. He is not only one of the best hockey players in the history of the NHL but exudes unparalleled leadership qualities on and off the ice. I find this refreshing in our polarized world.

Character Counts in College Admissions

You hear a lot about the importance of grades, AP courses and test scores in the college admission process. But a 4.3 GPA and a nearly perfect SAT score mean nothing if a student is seen as dishonest or unethical. Integrity is one of the less discussed but very important parts of the college admission process.

Admission officers are assembling a freshman class of students who will be studying and living together, and one of the questions they consider as they read applications is “Would I want this person in my community?”

There are many ways to assess the character of a student. Admission officers pay close attention to counselor and teacher recommendations. While they probably won’t reject a student for smoking a cigarette on school grounds, disciplinary action for cheating is a major red flag.

There is an epidemic of cheating in high schools. One group of high-scoring students started a money-making scheme where they would take the SAT for other students. While college admission officers do like to see students demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, this is not the type of entrepreneurship they seek.

Students are under a lot of pressure, and it can be very tough to resist the temptation to cheat. With competition for college admission at an all-time high, students can fear being at a disadvantage if they don’t cheat when their peers do. Even strong students who don’t need to cheat might fear being labeled selfish if they don’t share the answers to a biology test.

While unethical behavior may bring rewards in the short term, kids who cheat can’t feel genuine pride in their accomplishment. Once they start, it’s tough to stop cheating, and they may be afraid they can’t manage in college without it.

The intense competition for admission also makes it easy for some students and parents to justify exaggerating accomplishments on college applications or having someone other than the student write an application essay. But the University of California and other schools do ask some students to verify what is on the application. Admission officers are very savvy in determining if an essay is truly the applicant’s.

Even after being admitted, students can jeopardize their college future. Some families are tempted to “double deposit,” sending the enrollment deposit required by May 1 to two colleges so the student can have the summer to decide which one he prefers. But the family may lose much more than a few hundred dollars since there have been cases where both schools revoked the offer of admission. Character counts!

Tradeoffs—You Probably Can’t Have it All

When you’re putting together a college list, you will probably find some things you love and some things you’re not crazy about at each school. It’s like choosing a partner. You might have a wish list of 37 characteristics, but if you hold out for every single one, you could be alone for a long time. There’s not one perfect person, or one perfect college. You need to make tradeoffs.

One student will travel anywhere in the country as long as the college is prestigious. Another student is willing to trade the prestige of attending a highly selective college for a scholarship at a less competitive school, which will leave him debt-free at graduation. And another is willing to tolerate a cold Midwest winter if it means he’ll get Division I football.

Many students say they want to experience life in a big city where they’ll have access to lots of internship opportunities, nightlife, restaurants, and great shopping. After growing up in the suburbs, they love the idea of being able to walk outside their dorm and into the energy of an urban environment. It is true that going to Boston University or NYU can be very exciting, but it’s important to understand the tradeoff that comes with a big urban school. There may not be a traditional, grassy campus with a central quadrangle. And with so many attractive options luring students away from campus, you can lose the sense of community that you often find at schools located in college towns. You’re likely to encounter crowds of people as you walk to class every day, and that makes a school feel lively, but the tradeoff is a more impersonal atmosphere.

There are always tradeoffs. The goal is to find a school that meets your most important needs. Writing “must have” and “would be nice” lists may help you to evaluate potential colleges. When you know what you must have and what you are willing to give up, you are more likely to be happy with the decisions you make and to have a happy and successful college experience.

This process of establishing priorities doesn’t begin or end with college applications. A high school freshman or sophomore who plans to take every available Honors and AP class and become immersed in extracurricular activities needs to be willing to live with intense academic pressure and a lack of free time. 

For students who genuinely love learning and enjoy being very involved in school, this may not seem like such a sacrifice. For other students, the idea of spending their high school years studying all the time, obsessing over SAT scores, filling every free hour with community service and feeling like they never have a minute to relax isn’t worth the possibility of getting into the most competitive college.

In the future, you may need to decide whether it’s more important to rise to the top of your profession or to balance family life with career success. When you are clear about your priorities, you can make more satisfying choices throughout your life.

The University of Pittsburgh Visits Apt Tutoring

The University of

Pittsburgh

Thank you for visiting us, John! We enjoyed hearing about what’s happening at the University of Pittsburgh!

Pitt’s new health and wellness facility brings together its health and wellness services.

In addition to renovating its library, its main dining hall recently underwent a major renovation and now includes an Italian section with white tablecloths.

Pitt has six direct-entry schools. Applicants apply to the school that offers their intended major.  But don’t worry if you’re undeclared: you’ll apply to Diedrich, the arts and sciences college, and receive additional advising.

Thanks to four hospitals on campus and one more on the way, one of Pitt’s most renowned programs is its nursing school, which has VR cadavers and mannequin sim labs. The Living Learning Community for nurses is next to a trauma hospital. No wonder its nursing graduates are in demand, often receiving sign-up bonuses.

We also talked about the honors college. One of the big draws of which is student-led research. Although it’s competitive if an applicant isn’t accepted when applying to Pitt, it’s possible to re-apply as a first-year student.

Facts & Myths About Liberal Arts Education

Ask twenty people what they think about the term “liberal arts education,” and you’ll likely get twenty different responses. And their responses will also likely contain misconceptions as well as facts about the liberal arts. To clarify things, let’s look at some of the facts and myths about the liberal arts.

All liberal arts students are politically liberal. False. Students of all political beliefs graduate with liberal arts degrees. The word “liberal” in liberal arts doesn’t refer to politics at all. Rather, it is rooted in the Latin term “artes liberals” in which “artes” referred to the general skills that a “free person” (liberals) needed to master in order to contribute meaningfully to society.

Math and science aren’t liberal arts subjects. False. Academic disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, astrophysics, astronomy, statistics, and mathematics, among others, are indeed liberal arts disciplines. Many people think they are not liberal arts subjects because they also fall under the STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) list of disciplines. But, from the Middle Ages until today, they have also always been included under the liberal arts umbrella. The liberal arts umbrella also encompasses disciplines in the humanities (i.e. English, theater, music) and the social sciences (i.e. economics, history, psychology). However, college majors that focus on preparing for a specific career, such as engineering, nursing, or business, are generally not considered liberal arts degrees.

You can get a liberal arts degree at many different types and sizes of colleges. True. Many people mistakenly believe that liberal arts study is confined to smaller liberal arts colleges. Yet, every major American research university also has extensive undergraduate programs in a variety of liberal arts disciplines. By the way, some of the most prestigious research universities in the country, including Yale, Harvard, and Brown, consider their undergraduate colleges to be liberal arts colleges.

A liberal arts degree doesn’t prepare you for a specific career. True. College majors such as accounting, architecture, engineering, and nursing focus on preparing students to work in specific careers. Although liberal arts students gain many skills during their education that can be applied in the workplace, the primary focus of a liberal arts education is not training for a particular job or career. Rather, the emphasis in liberal arts disciplines is on providing a broad education that prepares students for a wide variety of jobs and careers. That said, many liberal arts disciplines do have sets of career paths that students in that discipline tend to gravitate towards. For example, many psychology majors become therapists, counselors, and other social service workers. However, many liberal arts majors end up working in fields other than those traditionally associated with the specific discipline they majored in. Check out Carleton College’s Career Pathways to see the careers different majors can lead to.

Liberal arts majors all end up working at Starbucks. False. Just ask the CEOs of Goldman Sachs, Whole Foods, HBO, Disney, Hewlett-Packard, Time Warner Cable, American Express, and Merck, among many other major corporations, who were liberal arts majors in college. (The CEO of Starbucks was also a liberal arts major). The Hamilton Project, an economic policy initiative of the Brookings Institute, recently analyzed data collected from the National Center of Education Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau to determine the most common jobs held by degree holders in specific college majors. They found that liberal arts majors work in all sorts of careers and in all sorts of industries, including in science and technology. In fact, a recent LinkedIn study found that there are more liberal arts majors working for technology firms than computer science majors.

Liberal arts majors have skills employers want and need. True. Research shows that employers value the types of skills that liberal arts studies foster. In one study conducted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU), ninety-one percent of employers surveyed agreed that when hiring recent college graduates, “a demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems” – all hallmarks of a liberal arts education – is more important than a specific college major. That said, liberal arts majors can also further enhance their marketability by including courses that teach more job-focused skills in their curriculum. The nice thing about a liberal arts education is that there is usually plenty of room in a student’s schedule to do so. Just like students in career-oriented majors such as business and education, students studying the liberal arts should also seek out internships, work experience, and extracurriculars during college to help build their resumes.

Liberal arts majors don’t make as much money as students who major in engineering or business. It depends. The amount an individual person makes throughout her career will be based on her choice of career, her experience level, her geographic location, her employers, and other factors. So, take any group of workers who had the same major in college – be it English or Engineering – and no two workers will make the exact same amount of money over their careers. In short, how much money you make is really up to you and your individual talents and efforts. However, it is also true that the average starting salaries for recent graduates in certain majors tend to be higher than for those in other majors. For instance, engineering majors, on average, tend to land the highest starting salaries amongst students with all degrees, including other career-focused majors. Some liberal arts majors also start off with salaries below the median for all college graduates. However, research conducted by the AACU and other organizations shows that while liberal arts majors in some disciplines may start off slower, their income tends to have a faster rate of growth over time, and they tend to quickly close much of the initial salary gap.

Want to find out more about typical career paths for various majors? The Hamilton Project has an interactive tool that shows career earnings by college major:

Featured Apt Tutor: Denise

Denise

What do you like most about tutoring?

I enjoy being able to help students get better at the skills that I know they possess.

You tutor SAT, ACT, HSPT, ISEE, and SSAT prep in addition to school subjects. What subjects do you currently enjoy tutoring the most?

I like tutoring all of the subject matters, but I do enjoy the science section of the ACT and any science tutoring best, as I am a science teacher.

Why do you like working at Apt Tutoring?

Apt has been a great working environment and I have been able to meet a lot of additional students besides my students at my school.

What did you major in at college, and what was your favorite class?

I majored in chemistry and secondary education at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. My favorite class would have to be my biochemistry class. The professor was one of the funniest that I have ever had, and even though the class was hard, the lab was very enjoyable.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy running and going to the gym.

What's your favorite book, song (or band), snack food?

Favorite book: The Disappearing Spoon

Favorite band: Shinedown

Favorite snack: I'm a sucker for Cheetos.

Tell us about a favorite vacation.

My favorite vacation was when my husband and I went to Key West back in 2015. We were able to go on some amazing excursions, and the atmosphere there was so much fun.

Please tell us more fun facts about yourself.

I currently teach science. I have two daughters and two cats. I love to cook and bake. My favorite color is blue.

Featured Apt Tutor: Jennie

Jennie

What do you like most about tutoring?

Tutoring is a unique experience that allows me to connect one-on-one with students and to learn more about their interests, experiences, and aspirations. At the same, I love the opportunity to help them with not only concrete tasks-like their college essays but also to see them grow as writers. As someone with a doctorate in art history, I am committed to helping students develop their writing not only as a practical skill but also one with its own aesthetic sensibilities.

What subjects do you enjoy tutoring the most?

I really enjoy tutoring writing and related tasks.

Why do you like working at Apt Tutoring?

It's wonderful working with motivated and creative students; at the same time, it's been amazing to work with someone as engaged and thoughtful as Lisa over the years. We are in sync about our approach to writing, and I always appreciate exchanging ideas about teaching and other aspects of our work. Contributing to the vision of a small company makes my work feel significant, and I love being able to communicate so directly and easily with my Apt colleagues.

What did you major in at college, and what was your favorite class?

I majored in Classics with a minor in Italian studies. My favorite class was probably Roman Satire.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love taking long walks with my golden retriever Tulip, watching French and Italian movies, visiting museums and galleries, and reading novels set in Italy during World War II.

What's your favorite book, song (or band), snack food?

Tough questions! I love almost anything written by Ian McEwan, and especially enjoyed Atonement; I love equally the bands Yo la Tengo and Pink Martini; and I love a scoop of stracciatella or pistacchio gelato when available!

Tell us about a favorite vacation.

I am passionate about traveling, and some of my favorite destinations include Bogotà, Paris, Capri, London, and Rovereto.

If you could have a coffee with any person dead or alive? Who would you choose, and why?

I would love to have coffee with French film director Jean-Luc Godard or Italian writer Natalia Ginzburg.

Salty or sweet person? What is your favorite salty/sweet snack?

Salty! My favorite snack is a tramezzino (mini-sandiwch in a triangle-shape) with smoked provolone, grilled zucchine, and tomato on brown bread from the Rosa Salva café in Campo San Giovanni e Paolo in Venice, Italy.

Please tell us more fun facts about yourself!

I have lived in various parts of Italy and speak Italian fluently; my dog has worked in a few commercials; and I have lived in Rome, Florence, and Venice. Aside from working with Apt Tutoring and as a college professor, I am an active art critic and scholar.

College Deadlines Explained

There are several types of college admissions deadlines, each with advantages and disadvantages. Here is a helpful guide to every sort of deadline acronym you could encounter along your college admissions journey.

Early Action (EA): Early Action applications are usually submitted in October or November, and applicants can usually expect to hear back by December or January. EA is non-binding, meaning you can apply to as many colleges that offer it as you would like, and accepted students have until May 1 to deposit at the college. 

Restricted Early Action (REA) & Single-Choice Early Action (SCEA): This is where things get complicated. REA and SCEA can vary by college. Two things all of the variations of REA and SCEA have in common are if an applicant applies REA or SCEA, they can't apply Early Decision anywhere else, and applicants accepted through REA and SCEA have until May 1 to deposit.

There may, however, be other restrictions. For example:

Here's Georgetown's policy:

"Early Action (Georgetown's program) allows applicants to make multiple Early Action applications, so long as they are not applying to a binding Early Decision Program. Applicants admitted in December under Early Action have until May 1 to decide whether or not to attend."

Here’s Stanford’s REA policy:

"If you apply to Stanford with a decision plan of Restrictive Early Action, you may not apply to any other private college/university under their Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, Early Decision, or Early Notification plan."

And here's Yale's SCEA policy:

"Yale's Early Action program is unlike many other programs in that applicants who apply through Single-Choice Early Action at Yale may not also apply through Early Action or Early Decision to any other school with a few exceptions (see below). 

Single-Choice Early Action applicants may also apply through other early admissions programs if the other program fits any of the descriptions below:

• The early admissions program is a non-binding rolling admission program.

• The early admissions program is a non-binding early program at a public institution.

• The early admissions program is an Early Decision or Early Action program that notifies applicants after January 1. 

• The early admissions program is at an institution outside the United States."

Early Decision (ED): Early Decision is binding. If accepted, you commit to attending the college, so it is an option that can only be used for one college and only if you are 100% certain you would like to enroll. Before you submit your ED application, you, your parents, and your school counselor will sign an agreement stating that you will attend if accepted, withdraw the applications you've already submitted to other colleges, and won't submit more applications. 

Like Early Action, applications are due in October or November; students can expect news by mid-December. Some colleges also offer a second round of Early Decision. ED II functions the same way as ED I, aside from the timeline–applications are due in January, and students hear back in February.

Regular Decision (RD): Regular Decision is the most common type of deadline and is non-binding. The deadline is usually in January or February, with decisions released by April.

Rolling Admission: Colleges with rolling admissions accept applications until the class fills up, usually in spring or as late as summer.

Which deadline is best?

That depends entirely on the student. Students usually have a better chance of acceptance if they apply ED, as the application pool is smaller, and colleges usually accept a higher percentage of applicants from this pool. However, the "boost" provided by applying ED can vary tremendously by college. 

ED I or ED II are options that should only be used if the student is 100% sure about a college, both academically and financially (colleges do usually release students from their commitment if the financial aid package is insufficient; however, applying ED does not allow students to compare aid packages or merit scholarships across colleges). If you do choose to apply ED, be sure to have other applications ready by the RD deadline if you are denied.

EA is always a good alternative if the college offers it, as it is non-binding, and students can expect to hear back sooner than they would otherwise. Students applying EA also usually have the best consideration for merit scholarships and other programs, so it's often a good target. 

SCEA and REA don't have the pressure of being binding, but make sure you understand each college's policy.

Regular decision is the default option; most applications for most students will fall under this option.