Can you feel it? Are you ready? It's almost graduation time! How excited are you to graduate? I can remember that I had mixed feelings concerning high school graduation. I was ready to start a new chapter in my life, but I was having a hard time letting go. I didn't know what to expect in college. I had such an amazing high school experience, which I am truly grateful for because I know that it doesn't happen for everyone. I had the opportunity to be one of 23 in my graduating class, causing us to get to know each other on an individual level. Let's just say that 7 years later, we still have a great time together whenever we see one another. You may be feeling the same way I did right before high school graduation, happy but sad; excited but scared. I'll let you in on a little secret... college is a lot of work, but it sure is a blast!
One of the things that made it hard for me to let go of home was the fact that I wouldn't be as financially stable as I may had been in the past. Don't get me wrong, I started working and making my own money when I was 14, so mom and dad definitely did not pay my way for everything while I was living at home. It was the other things I was worried about: food, tuition, and any other necessity I was going to have to pay big bucks for. No longer were the days of living & eating for free or near to free. How was I going to pay for all of this? Scholarships? By working?
Luckily, I did bust my you know what by filling out scholarship form after scholarship form. I had good grades and an average to above average ACT score. However, that still didn't get me what I thought it would concerning scholarship monies from my hometown or my college of choice. I took some time to feel sorry for myself, but then realized that there were a lot of other students out there who were just as deserving of a scholarship as I was. I then turned my sights to "outside scholarships." You can find many of these listings here. The truth is this; there is definitely assistance out there for you. Sometimes, you just have to go the extra mile to get it.
The moral of the story is this. Don't feel sorry for yourself if you haven't received what you had set in your mind as far as scholarships. It doesn't mean that you weren't deserving of them! BHSU had over 700 scholarship applications this year alone, and the field was extremely competitive. If you haven't received the scholarship aid that you had set out for, don't give up! Keep looking for outside scholarships. Also, BHSU is still awarding scholarships, and will be doing so for the next few months. Start thinking of alternative ways to pay for tuition such as getting a part time job. It will all be worth it in the end when you are holding your diploma in your hand 4 years from now stating that you are a college graduate!!
Definitely let us know if you have any questions on how to pay for college. We are almost always readily available! You can reach the Office of Admissions at admissions@bhsu.edu, 1-800-ALL-BHSU, or 605-642-6343.
Have a GREAT weekend! GO JACKETS!
Maria Hartung
BHSU Admissions Counselor
Maria.Hartung@bhsu.edu
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
We Know you are Busy!
There are a lot of different things happening in the lives of you seniors. School is almost over, you are planning your graduation party, arranging summer employment, or maybe making last minute plans for college in the fall. Part of the college preparation process is arranging financial support for tuition payment. Scholarships are often a large part of that plan. Black Hills State received close to 700 scholarship applications for new students this fall! We had a tough time awarding them to the most deserving students. There are a lot of great students out there and you deserve a pat on the back for your hard work in high school.
The majority of the Admission Scholarships have been awarded, so if you have not received any notification at this point, you have not been awarded anything. That doesn’t mean that you will not receive any! Often times, students who have been initially awarded an Admissions Scholarship return the scholarship to us for unseen circumstances. Therefore, we have to re-award that scholarship and you could be next! All of the Admission Counselors keep the scholarship applications for students from their territory on hand for re-awarding purposes. So it is also important to complete the scholarship application if you have not already done so. You never know what could be out there.
If you have been awarded a scholarship, please return the acceptance letter that was mailed to you as soon as possible! This is very important! You deserve a scholarship if you have been awarded one so don’t pass on it just because you didn’t return the acceptance letter. And as always, do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions. Many different things go into college preparation and we are here to help you along the path! Go Jackets!
Emily Pier
BHSU Admissions Counselor
Emily.Pier@bhsu.edu
Monday, April 26, 2010
I'm Back!
I have officially taken waaaaaay too long of a hiatus in my blog posts. Thanks Emily and Maria for keeping our followers and readers up to date! I really can’t believe that it has been 4 whole months, man time is flying by, before we know it, it will be time to start the 2010 Fall semester. FYI – for anyone that cares so far so good on my New Year’s Resolution, now just to make it a habit so it is a permanent change.
Speaking of classes starting before we know it, it is the time that many of you are debating between your remaining college choices and need to make a final decision. This is not an easy task and nothing that should be taken lightly, but don’t overdo it either. Certain things will stick out in your mind about BHSU being the place for you. Maybe I can help.
Academics – The number one reason you are continuing your education is to do just that, learn more about a specific area so that you may obtain a job in that area – right?! Black Hills State University has many unique academic opportunities and one that always grabs me is the size of courses and the opportunities to be engaged in and out of the classroom. With an average class size of 25, great class discussions can be had, the faculty are available when there are questions, and you will not just be another body in a desk. Internships and class projects give you the opportunity to receive real world experience and resources in case you need a little additional help.
Social Activities– Socializing encompasses just about every other aspect on campus for me! Maybe that is because I am a little bit of a talker, but who knows. There is an amazing list of student organizations that are available to join that offer both social and academic opportunities. Learn more about an area of interest while meeting new people and filling your calendar with activities (of course when you are not studying at the new Union) Maybe you need to get your athletic fix! Of course there are always our varsity sports, but if you aren’t quite looking for that level of competition, join Rec Sports. Grab your friends, put together a team and play your way to the top of the BHSU Rec Sports world!
Surroundings – The Black Hills of South Dakota offer such a unique setting. Now even though I love talking with people, to recharge I need to spend time by myself so grab your back pack and go hiking to re-energize for the school week. Take up a new activity – rock climbing, kayaking, fly fishing or creek tubing!
These are just some of the points I am sure you are all considering in finalizing your decisions, so if you need additional clarification on something you are wondering about, please contact us. It is best to make a fully informed decision. Remember pick a place that you can be successful at, something that BHSU can offer you.
April showers bring May flowers!
Laura Weber – Assistant Director Admissions
Laura.Weber@BHSU.edu
Black Hills State University – GO YELLOW JACKETS
Speaking of classes starting before we know it, it is the time that many of you are debating between your remaining college choices and need to make a final decision. This is not an easy task and nothing that should be taken lightly, but don’t overdo it either. Certain things will stick out in your mind about BHSU being the place for you. Maybe I can help.
Academics – The number one reason you are continuing your education is to do just that, learn more about a specific area so that you may obtain a job in that area – right?! Black Hills State University has many unique academic opportunities and one that always grabs me is the size of courses and the opportunities to be engaged in and out of the classroom. With an average class size of 25, great class discussions can be had, the faculty are available when there are questions, and you will not just be another body in a desk. Internships and class projects give you the opportunity to receive real world experience and resources in case you need a little additional help.
Social Activities– Socializing encompasses just about every other aspect on campus for me! Maybe that is because I am a little bit of a talker, but who knows. There is an amazing list of student organizations that are available to join that offer both social and academic opportunities. Learn more about an area of interest while meeting new people and filling your calendar with activities (of course when you are not studying at the new Union) Maybe you need to get your athletic fix! Of course there are always our varsity sports, but if you aren’t quite looking for that level of competition, join Rec Sports. Grab your friends, put together a team and play your way to the top of the BHSU Rec Sports world!
Surroundings – The Black Hills of South Dakota offer such a unique setting. Now even though I love talking with people, to recharge I need to spend time by myself so grab your back pack and go hiking to re-energize for the school week. Take up a new activity – rock climbing, kayaking, fly fishing or creek tubing!
These are just some of the points I am sure you are all considering in finalizing your decisions, so if you need additional clarification on something you are wondering about, please contact us. It is best to make a fully informed decision. Remember pick a place that you can be successful at, something that BHSU can offer you.
April showers bring May flowers!
Laura Weber – Assistant Director Admissions
Laura.Weber@BHSU.edu
Black Hills State University – GO YELLOW JACKETS
Monday, April 19, 2010
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!
Decisions, decisions, decisions. That time of year is here. What do I wear to prom? Where should I have my graduation party? Where should I go to college? It seems like all of these decisions can start running together a little. Well, deciding on a college should be less stress then deciding what to wear to prom. It is important to consider lots of things when deciding on a college to attend. What are the Residence Halls like? What should I major in? How many students attend? Do I like the campus and activities on campus?
Residence Halls
There are many different types of Residence Halls out there and sometimes thinking about living away from home or in an unfamiliar place can be quite terrifying. Not at Black Hills State. The Residence Halls at BHSU are small but the rooms are large. So you will find that you have wonderful space in your room without having to share a bathroom with 100 other people. There are also tons of activities that take place in the Residence Halls. How about getting together with some people from your floor and dressing up like Sting for all the football games? Who cares if it starts to snow during one of them. :) Also, each hall has Resident Assistants and a Hall Director to help you with any academic or personal issues.
Campus
BHSU has just over 4,000 students. About 1,000 of those students attend on the Rapid City campus and online. So when you hammer out those numbers, the student-teacher ratio is 20-1. Pretty nice, huh? So most of your courses, especially as you move into your major further, will have about 25 students in them. You are not just a number here, you have a voice and we want you to use it!
Student Life
There are tons of things to do here! We have lots of student organizations for you to try. And you don’t have to be in any specific major to participate in any of them, so you can really try whatever you want. BHSU Athletics are a great way to get involved in university life as well as supporting your Yellow Jackets. Looking for something to do off campus? Well, you can float Spearfish Creek or hike any of the nearby hiking trails. There are also lots of great bands and concerts in the Northern Black Hills and on campus. How about seeing one of the many theatre productions? The Outsiders will begin on April 29th if you want to get an early start. That is just a sample of some of the great things to do here, you will have to come to BHSU to learn about even more!
Academics
Black Hills State offers students over 80 different majors and minors! You can try different courses to see what fits you best if you are not sure what to major in. If you already have a pretty good idea about what you would like to study, you will find many different ways to get involved in your program. You do not have to just go to class and take tests, we want you to try the stuff that interests you. How about research in the sciences? You will find the Center for Biological Resources right up your ally. If you are interested in education, you can participate in one of the many different opportunities to work with kids in the surrounding towns. Maybe you are interested in business? The Center for Business, Entrepreneurship, & Tourism will have lots of ways to do research and learn more about the areas you find interesting.
See all of the great things that will make your experience at Black Hills State unique and unlike anything else? Black Hills State is the only option if that is what you are looking for. Let us know how we can help you make that decision about college. See you around next fall!
Emily Pier
Admissions Counselor
Emily.Pier@bhsu.edu
Residence Halls
There are many different types of Residence Halls out there and sometimes thinking about living away from home or in an unfamiliar place can be quite terrifying. Not at Black Hills State. The Residence Halls at BHSU are small but the rooms are large. So you will find that you have wonderful space in your room without having to share a bathroom with 100 other people. There are also tons of activities that take place in the Residence Halls. How about getting together with some people from your floor and dressing up like Sting for all the football games? Who cares if it starts to snow during one of them. :) Also, each hall has Resident Assistants and a Hall Director to help you with any academic or personal issues.
Campus
BHSU has just over 4,000 students. About 1,000 of those students attend on the Rapid City campus and online. So when you hammer out those numbers, the student-teacher ratio is 20-1. Pretty nice, huh? So most of your courses, especially as you move into your major further, will have about 25 students in them. You are not just a number here, you have a voice and we want you to use it!
Student Life
There are tons of things to do here! We have lots of student organizations for you to try. And you don’t have to be in any specific major to participate in any of them, so you can really try whatever you want. BHSU Athletics are a great way to get involved in university life as well as supporting your Yellow Jackets. Looking for something to do off campus? Well, you can float Spearfish Creek or hike any of the nearby hiking trails. There are also lots of great bands and concerts in the Northern Black Hills and on campus. How about seeing one of the many theatre productions? The Outsiders will begin on April 29th if you want to get an early start. That is just a sample of some of the great things to do here, you will have to come to BHSU to learn about even more!
Academics
Black Hills State offers students over 80 different majors and minors! You can try different courses to see what fits you best if you are not sure what to major in. If you already have a pretty good idea about what you would like to study, you will find many different ways to get involved in your program. You do not have to just go to class and take tests, we want you to try the stuff that interests you. How about research in the sciences? You will find the Center for Biological Resources right up your ally. If you are interested in education, you can participate in one of the many different opportunities to work with kids in the surrounding towns. Maybe you are interested in business? The Center for Business, Entrepreneurship, & Tourism will have lots of ways to do research and learn more about the areas you find interesting.
See all of the great things that will make your experience at Black Hills State unique and unlike anything else? Black Hills State is the only option if that is what you are looking for. Let us know how we can help you make that decision about college. See you around next fall!
Emily Pier
Admissions Counselor
Emily.Pier@bhsu.edu
Friday, April 16, 2010
Busy Busy Busy!
I apologize that we haven't posted in a while. We have been busy reviewing scholarship applications, calling students to get them signed up for NSR, attending events on the road, and much more! The Office of Admissions is getting VERY excited to welcome everyone to campus this summer for NSR, and this fall to start classes @ BHSU!
This week has been American Indian Awareness week at BHSU. This event is dedicated to educating the community about Indian culture, featuring daily speakers and a variety of events at Black Hills State University. The 27th Annual Lakota Omniciye Wacipi Pow Wow will begin tonight at 7:00 pm, and will conclude on through Sunday at 5:00 pm. The Pow Wow will be held at the Young Center Field House. For further information, locations, and updates, contact: Center for American Indian Studies 605.642.6578.
Tomorrow is also our last Preview Day of the academic year. We are hoping to welcome over 80 students and their guests to this great event. A few spots are still open for this event, so if you would like to attend please register at www.bhsu.edu/visit or by calling the Office of Admissions at 605.642.6343.
The June 4 1:00 pm New Student Registration (NSR) session is now full! The earlier NSR sessions tend to fill up fast, as classes tend to become full towards the end of the sessions. Therefore, if you still haven't registered for NSR, do so TODAY! It's easy, and will only take you a few minutes. Simply log onto www.bhsu.edu/nsr or call the Office of Admissions at 605.642.6343 to secure your spot.
Things are really getting down to the wire, and I am sure that you have questions that need to be answered. If so, please do not hesitate to ask us! We are easy to reach at the number provided above, or at admissions@bhsu.edu. We are here to help, so don't be afraid to ask!
Have a great weekend! I hope to see some of you at Preview Day tomorrow!
Go Jackets!
Maria Hartung
BHSU Admissions Counselor
Maria.Hartung@bhsu.edu
This week has been American Indian Awareness week at BHSU. This event is dedicated to educating the community about Indian culture, featuring daily speakers and a variety of events at Black Hills State University. The 27th Annual Lakota Omniciye Wacipi Pow Wow will begin tonight at 7:00 pm, and will conclude on through Sunday at 5:00 pm. The Pow Wow will be held at the Young Center Field House. For further information, locations, and updates, contact: Center for American Indian Studies 605.642.6578.
Tomorrow is also our last Preview Day of the academic year. We are hoping to welcome over 80 students and their guests to this great event. A few spots are still open for this event, so if you would like to attend please register at www.bhsu.edu/visit or by calling the Office of Admissions at 605.642.6343.
The June 4 1:00 pm New Student Registration (NSR) session is now full! The earlier NSR sessions tend to fill up fast, as classes tend to become full towards the end of the sessions. Therefore, if you still haven't registered for NSR, do so TODAY! It's easy, and will only take you a few minutes. Simply log onto www.bhsu.edu/nsr or call the Office of Admissions at 605.642.6343 to secure your spot.
Things are really getting down to the wire, and I am sure that you have questions that need to be answered. If so, please do not hesitate to ask us! We are easy to reach at the number provided above, or at admissions@bhsu.edu. We are here to help, so don't be afraid to ask!
Have a great weekend! I hope to see some of you at Preview Day tomorrow!
Go Jackets!
Maria Hartung
BHSU Admissions Counselor
Maria.Hartung@bhsu.edu
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