Fall 2007

This issue of Counselor News — the Minnesota Private College Council’s three times-yearly newsletter for school counselors — helps you in assisting juniors and seniors choose the right college. Use these resources to help guide your students in making this all-important decision — especially students who might be considering attending one of our 17 private colleges and universities.

In This Issue

• Liberal education important to employers
• New tools help students choose a college
• Start scholarship search now
• Sound bytes

Liberal education important to employers

In a 2006 survey (PDF) of employers and recent graduates, more than 90 percent felt that it was important for colleges and universities to provide broad knowledge in a variety of areas as well as knowledge and skills in a specific field. When it comes to skills and knowledge needed to be successful in a global economy, top-ranked employer priorities were:

• science and technology developments and concepts (82%)
• teamwork and collaboration skills (76%)
• hands-on experience (73%)
• effective oral and written communication skills (73%)
• knowledge of global issues and developments (72%)
• critical thinking, analytical reasoning skills (72%)
• understanding of global issues and implications for the future (72%)
• ability to be innovative and think creatively (70%)

This knowledge and skill set closely parallels the education students receive at the 17 liberal arts institutions of Minnesota Private College Council. Although liberal arts students generally select a major and may earn a professional degree, they receive broad exposure to many fields and disciplines. The curriculum helps hone their skills in inquiry, research, analysis and communication. They gain an understanding of context and how things are connected and fit into the whole. This prepares them for work in a variety of jobs, adaptation in a changing world and leadership in their communities. Students graduate prepared for a job in a specific field (based on their major) and they have these "transferable" skills that employers want.

There are plenty of reasons to pursue a liberal arts education at one of Minnesota’s 17 private colleges and universities. A focus on teaching and personal attention, alumni satisfaction, a wealth of international and service learning opportunities and the best four-year graduation rates in Minnesota are just a few of the reasons to consider our institutions. See Why choose us?

New tools help students choose a college

Most students and parents have some basic criteria in mind when shopping for a college — such as a major or preferences about location or size. There are many tools that can help narrow the choices. For students considering one of Minnesota's Private Colleges, check out our majors & degrees database to find out about our program offerings and view our college profiles.   

For a broader search consider these new online tools:

• The University and College Accountability Network (UCAN) contains profiles on more than 500 private colleges and universities (including eight of ours).
• College Navigator is the re-vamped U.S. Education Department Web site search tool (that includes all Minnesota institutions).

Check out all these tools that help students and families find schools that fit their criteria.

Start scholarship search now

Although most college scholarships come from schools (contact our colleges directly to learn about their opportunities) and state and federal governments, many private organizations offer grants and scholarships. It’s never too early for students to start searching for these additional scholarships. Here are three free online sites that students can use to search for scholarships that match their area of interest, geographical location and special skills:

• Fast Web
• Mach 25
• Scholarships.com

Be wary of any financial aid search offer that charges fees, asks for credit cards or checking account information or guarantees scholarships.

Sound bytes

• "According to the [State of College Admission] report, more colleges want to feel wanted by their applicants. The percentage of colleges ranking a student’s demonstrated interest in their institution as ‘considerably important’ rose from seven to 21 percent over the past four years." Report Notes Trends in College Admissions, Chronicle of Higher Education, Sept. 28, 2007.
• "Although it may seem mysterious, the admissions process is actually straightforward. It's about finding relationships that will work, just like dating and marriage. In this case, admissions officers are the matchmakers, looking for clues to prospective partners before committing." The Search for Authenticity, Newsweek, Aug. 20-27, 2007 issue.
• "The best environment for first-generation and underserved college students is at a four-year institution with established support systems to ensure college success. College should become your second home and offer the resources necessary for students to thrive academically and socially." College Success, Center for Student Opportunity.
• "ACT results suggest that core courses offered in U.S. high schools, by and large, still need more rigor to adequately prepare students for success in college coursework, particularly in math and science." 2007 ACT College Readiness Report News Release, August 15, 2007.

Minnesota Private College Council, Fund and Research Foundation
Bremer Tower | 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 500 | St. Paul, MN 55101
651-228-9061 | colleges@mnprivatecolleges.org