College Research Paper

John Lynch
Liles-Period 4

College Research Paper

Coming into my junior year, I was scared of looking at colleges and afraid of going. Campus life
did not seem like a fun time to me. Living away from my parents for the first time and not
having people tell me to do my homework or chores seemed daunting. Taking orders and
following someone elses structured routine seemed easier than having independence and making
my own choices. Also, I would have to do my own laundry; which seems like a real effort. But
after looking at colleges, I can clearly see the advantages of a fun college life. I see how it can
really build ones independence. When I visited college campuses, all I saw were students
relaxing on campus or studying in the library. The tour guides explained all the options and
choices that they have had and the great experiences they have had in their couple years in
college. Now college looks attractive to me and I am looking forward to my journey into
university life.
When I look at colleges, I am very picky because I want my experience to be perfect. My first
priority was distance from home. I did not want to be too far from home because I want to be
able to drive to college. I also did not want to be too close to home because then my parents will
think that they are close enough to visit me all the time (and nobody wants that). Also, proximity
to urban areas plays a role in my choice of college. I want to be close to a city so that the college
has internship opportunities in businesses in the surrounding areas but I do not want to be in the
middle of a city because thats too much of a transition for me. Another factor that plays in is the
size of the school. Big schools are too much for me because I would like to attend smaller classes
and have a closer relationship with faculty. Also I do not want to go to a small school because
they usually do not have as good of a sports program as larger schools. Athletic atmosphere is

playing a huge role in my college search. I have to be able to cheer on a good basketball team
and if not that, I at least want to cheer on a good football team.
The cost has to be just about average or less than average because my family cannot afford to
pay for a very expensive university .I believe that around 30,000 dollars would be the realistic
amount to pay for a good education. Of course, the college has to have my majors that I am
interested in. I might go in as undecided but I am strongly considering marketing or sports
management. Only a few schools have sports management programs so it is hard to find a school
that may have both programs that are of interest to me.
The first college that I visited was James Madison University. I did not know how
attractive their campus was until I visited others because I had no baseline. But after a couple
months of the college search, I realized that the campus was more beautiful than many others in
comparison. The day that I visited, the students were relaxing on the lawn of the quad. There was
one group of people that were lying on their hammocks and others were playing a game of
Ultimate Frisbee. It was such a laid- back atmosphere and thats how I want to be in college.
That day, I also attended a football game with my family. The school spirit was amazing and
almost the entire school was in session. At the beginning of the game, there were cannons that
shot off to signal the kick- off and the school sang their fight song. Every touchdown the crowd
threw purple and gold streamers. It was really a great memory and an amazing athletic
atmosphere. I also attended one of the basketball games when I came back during the winter but
it was not as exciting as the spectacular football game. The school is also a perfect size for my
liking; coming in around 18,000 students. It is not so big that there is large class sizes but not so
small that the sports program is irrelevant. Another great thing about the school is that the

distance from home is just around a two hour drive, which is ideal. Its close enough that I can
drive there and back from home and far enough that my parents will not visit me all the time.
JMU also has both a good marketing program in their nationally ranked business school and it
has a sports management program which is hard to find. The cost is right in my price range too.
It is right around 20,000 dollars (JMU) and I hope to get a good amount of money for
scholarships. My parents are helping me pay so its not like I will have to pay all 20,000 dollars a
year for education. One negative thing about this college is that it is located in the small city of
Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg is not comparable to even the size of a suburb of DC, like Rockville.
There may not be any good internship programs in the Harrisonburg but since it is a nationally
ranked business school, there will be lots of opportunities to make connections with businesses
in nearby cities and areas. James Madison might be my first choice in colleges at this moment
because it does not have that many flaws.
The next college that I am strongly considering attending is the University of Delaware.
When I visited the college in the spring, I had the most amazing tour guide possible and she told
us about all of her experiences in college. She was also a marketing major in Delawares
business school. That was good for me so I could learn more about what marketing was and I got
to hear why she chose that major. I knew that I wanted to do something in business but when she
talked about marketing, it helped me choose what type of business major I might pursue. It
wasnt as nice of a day when I visited the campus so I couldnt see as many students walking
around campus or relaxing on the quad like I did see at James Madison. It also is a little on the
expensive side tuition-wise. To attend the university, it is around 30,000 dollars.(UDel) That does
not include room and board which would make this college one of the most expensive ones that I
am looking at. Even thought the cost is expensive, I am still drawn to the college because of the

size and location of the campus. Around 18,000 students attend Delaware which is just around
the same amount of my top choice; James Madison. Although the college seems exceptional for
me on the surface, it might not be my top choice. The business program is just not as prestigious
as James Madisons. On the other hand, the college is located in one of the biggest cities in
Delaware. I did not get the full blast of the athletic atmosphere because I did not attend any
basketball or football games but both of those teams are decent in Delaware. The college is one
of my top choices because it is very similar to my requirement for colleges.
Salisbury is my last choice of schools out of my top four. I chose it as a fall back school
just in case I dont get into my top three or I cant pay for the cost of my top three. Even though
it is my fall back school, it is still a decent college and a good place to get an undergraduate
degree. It is a very small school and is a little too small for my liking. It only has about 8000
students enrolled in the university and the class sizes are very small which gets you in a position
to have a good relationship with your professors. Its a little too cost for my comfort. The cost is
also an amazing price for a good education. It is around 5,000 dollars (Salisbury) which is a very,
very cheap price for education these days. It is also in a smaller city in rural Maryland, which is
not the best place to be for a good business school but it does have a marketing program. Another
negative factor is that the athletic atmosphere is not as great as my other top college choices
because it is a Division III school. The sports program is good, but not in the same caliber as a
Division I school. Also a factor in my decision is that my best friend is attending there next year
so thats why I am considering this school.
What would be my top choice in school if it was not for cost and the large chance that I
will not be accepted is Duke University. I have been a Duke Basketball fan my whole life and it
would be amazing if I could be able to sit in the student section of one of the basketball games in

Cameron Indoor Stadium. Enrollment is only around 7,000 students but I wouldnt mind how
small it is because of how prestigious their business program is. (Duke) The marketing program
is ranked fifth best in the country but it is nearly impossible to get in to. Also it is about an eight
hour drive away from home and that is a long way, but I would make that trek if I got accepted
and I could afford it. The cost of just tuition for the school is around 45,000 dollars (Family
Connection) because it is a private school and it is very prestigious. The business connections
that are possible to make at the school are never ending.
In conclusion, James Madison seems like the best school for me. It is just the size and
distance from home that I wanted. It is also a great cost for a prestigious school. The football
athletic atmosphere is outstanding with great school pride. The only downside is that is that the
college is in a small city and is not near any cities where I can get a major business internship.
Even though I have decided that James Madison is my top school, it would be awesome if I
could attend Duke. Also Delaware is in a close second place. The only reason why I dont like it
is because it is more expensive than James Madison and is has a less prestigious business school.
The college search is a grueling process that I am glad is almost over.

Appendix A
Application

James Madison University

Early Action (non-binding)

November 1 - Application deadline for all pieces (application, transcripts, SAT/ACT scores etc.)
Mid-January - Admission decisions posted online in the Applicant Center of MyMadison
May 1 - Intent to enroll deposit deadline
Frequently asked questions about Early Action
Regular Decision
January 15 - Application deadline for all pieces (application, transcripts, SAT/ACT scores etc.)
Early April - Admission decisions posted online in the Applicant Center of MyMadison
May 1 - Intent to enroll deposit deadline
Application Forms
https://www.applyweb.com/jmu/index.html

University of Delaware

Application Dates
January 15 - Application deadline for freshmen

May 1- Deposit Deadline for freshmen - Application deadline for transfers

Essays
1. Essays are an important part of the application review and are required for all applicants.
2. At least one letter of recommendation from an academic source is required for all applicants.
Most submit more than one letter.
3. While extracurricular and community involvement and recommendations are important, they
cannot make up for weak grades and/or standardized test scores.
Application Forms
http://www.udel.edu/admissions/apply/

Salisbury University

Essays
All standardized test results must be officially forwarded to Salisbury University from the
respective testing centers or your high school guidance office. The ETS code number for
Salisbury University is 5403 and the ACT code is 1716.
Salisbury University requires one letter of recommendation
Early Decision November 15
Early Action December 1
Regular Decision January 15
Application Forms
http://www.salisbury.edu/admissions/apply/

Duke University

Essays
Both the Common Application and the Universal College Application include a one-page
personal essay. In addition, both include short essay questions that are specific to Duke and that
offer you the opportunity to share your unique interests and perspective. One question is
required, and we also offer two optional prompts--and yes, they are truly optional! You can

submit your short writing with or after the other student portions of the application, no later than
the application deadline.
All candidates for admission must complete one of the following standardized testing options:
the test of the ACT, including the writing exam or the College Board SAT, plus two SAT Subject
Tests.
Application Dates
You must also apply either for Early Decision or Regular Decision, and we will process your
application according to the plan you check on the Common Application.

Appendix B
Interviews

Interview: Emmanuel Porquin

What college will you be attending?
Salisbury University
What major are you entering college with? Why?
Graphic design because I passionate about art and my art teachers save I have good design
skills..
Did finances play a role in your choice of college? Did finances play a role in
your application process?
Yes it played a huge role bc I come from a low income family. Not as big of a role in the
application process because I was mainly focused on how I would feel at the school not how
much money because I figured athletics and scholarships would take care of that part.
How did you know if the campus was suitable to you and your learning process?
I knew From how close and accessible all the learning and training facilities were to each other.
Everything was convenient.
How many schools did you apply to?
I applied to 9
Did you receive financial aid?
Yes
Did location influence your choice in school? Regarding distance from home and
surrounding area of the school.
I chose a school somewhat close to home so there would be less money invested in traveling to
and from school on vacation.
Did athletics play a role in your choice of college?
Yes lathe tics played a huge role. I knew that whatever college I chose I would want to continue
to run and be apart of a successful sports program.
Do you have any tips for suture students regarding the college application
process?

I'd say apply for as many scholarships as possible so that money isn't as big of an issue when it
comes to finally deciding. Also make sure to look at a variety of colleges to get a feel for various
locations.
Is there anything else that helped you choose the college you will be attending in
the fall?
Chances for successes, where ever it might be you attend you wanna make sure you're in an
environment where you'll grow and learn. Also knowing you'll have some assistance or guidance
along the way, for me it was the fact that my already sister attended the school of my choice.

Interview: Morgan Lynch

What college are you currently attending?
James Madison
What major are you currently studying? Why did you choose this major?
Media Arts and Design with a concentration in journalism. I fell in love with broadcast when I
worked for Homework Hotline and RMBC in high school. I also enjoy writing so I decided to
study journalism in college.
Have your professor's been actively influencing you to pursue knowledge in and
out of the classroom?
Yes. One of my professors, Dr. Sulfaro is overseeing my internship at C-Span this summer. I also
took her class on American Political Parties and Elections. Another one of my professors, Dr.
Anderson led my study abroad program in Italy, where I covered a story on the Italian Army's
involvement in Afghanistan. Another one of my professors, Professor Jenkins is the general
manager of the Breeze, JMU's newspaper which I write for regularly. I also took his class on
feature writing.
Are you actively involves in any clubs or athletics? Do you suggest any extra
curriculars for future students?
I am involved with the newspaper, The Breeze, Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministry, and
club cross country. I've met all of my good friends through the organizations that I am involved
in so I highly recommend joining any clubs that interest you.
DId finances play a role in your decision and your application process?
Not really even though JMU was the cheapest one I applied to.
Is school spirit a major aspect in campus life at your college?

Yes, especially at football games. Also, there is a certain character associated with being a JMU
Duke. When anyone mentions being a Duke, it's associated with respect and hospitality and we
take a lot of pride in that.
What is the athletic atmosphere like at the college you are attending?
We are very proud and supportive of our teams even if they don't win that much. Football games
are big events where people tailgate beforehand and we throw purple and gold streamers
whenever we score a touchdown. Basketball games are also exciting depending on who we are
playing. Our women's team is phenomenal.
Did you receive any financial aid ?
No.
Are there many study abroad options at your college?
Yes! And I highly recommend you take a look at them. Every major has at least one or two
options to study abroad and receive credit and there are general education study abroad programs
too.
Do you recommend the college you are attending to future students?
Of course. JMU is the best place on earth. It has something for everyone.

Sources:

https://www.duke.edu/

"Duke Undergraduate Admissions." Duke Admissions. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2015.
http://www.udel.edu/
"Discover." University of Delaware Undergraduate Admissions. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2015.

http://www.jmu.edu/
"Academics." James Madison University. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2015

http://www.salisbury.edu/
"SALISBURY UNIVERSITY." Salisbury University: Admissions. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2015.

Lynch, Morgan. Personal Interview. June 5, 2015.

Porquin, Emmanuel. Personal Interview. June 7, 2015.

https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/colleges/
"Welcome to Family Connection by Naviance." N.p., n.d. Web. 05 June 2015.

Cucchiara, Maia Bloomfield. Marketing Schools, Marketing Cities: Who Wins

and Who Loses When Schools Become Urban Amenities. Chicago: U of Chicago, 2013.
Print.