Forcing Students to Take a Breather
Internships are a stepping stone for future career growth, especially in the financial industry, but Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and JPMorgan Chase have decided to stop participating in practices that put too much pressure on college students too early. Most internships are available only to rising seniors, but interviews happen during sophomore year, placing the burden of learning too much too soon in order to prepare to make a solid first impression. These two companies realize the current practice disrupts the student’s timetable and learning process and are stopping this practice.
Source: Inside Higher Ed
Checking Social Media No Longer as Important
For the third year, the percentage of admissions officers who look up students on social media has declined, from the 2015 high of 40% to just 25% this year. Kaplan reports that half of admissions officers who do still look for students online are having a harder time finding them, as students are using platforms like Instagram and Snapchat – which make it easier for students to hide what they are sharing.
Source: Business Wire
Are the GREs Telling the Whole Story?
The STEM field sees a lower percentage of both non-Asian minority groups and women in applicants and graduates. A recent study published in PLOS One shows the results of four NEAGEP-affiliated state institutions in regards to the GRE. Women earn only 25% of STEM PhDs and their GRE scores are lower than those of men, but they do not have higher first-year drop-out rates, longer time to degree rates or lower competition rates.
Source: Science Trends
Reducing Financial Burdens
One of the biggest frustrations for students receiving financial aid is the burden to reapply each year. Connecticut’s Trinity College will begin showing students their first year of financial aid as well as the estimated amount for their future years, starting with the incoming class of 2022. This effort will help students understand the complete picture and total cost of their education and lower some barriers for low-income or first-generation students.
Source: Education Dive