Miami University Admission

App-y New Year!

2012-01-03T15:59:00.002-05:00

App-y New Year! Have you submitted your application to Miami yet? There's still time--about one month left to get it in by our February 1 deadline. You can apply online at www.muohio.edu/apply.

Already submitted? Check your status at www.muohio.edu/appcheck

I hope you all had (and maybe are still enjoying) a great winter break. The Admission staff came back to work on January 2, but students are off until January 9. Did you make any New Year's Resolutions? I made a few--and we'll see how long they stick!

We all wish you a very happy and healthy 2012!!

Miami Band in Macy's parade!

2011-12-07T16:37:00.002-05:00

December is here, and hopefully you all had a chance to enjoy some time off from school to enjoy Thanksgiving! Get any great Black Friday deals? I'll admit, much of my holiday shopping is done last minute :)

Did you get a chance to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade? Miami's Marching Band was featured! Check it out again (or maybe for the first time) as the band welcomes Santa:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3svFLmrniXE&feature=player_detailpage

What Makes Miami Different?

2011-11-11T20:26:00.007-05:00

As you continue to visit college campuses throughout the fall and winter most begin to run together in your mind. You begin to wonder what makes one school different from the another campus you visited. What is the difference?

At Miami we pride ourselves on being different, the unique experiences our students have are second to none and our campus is one of the most beautiful places you will see. While we have the rankings and student testimonials to show these points it's always better to see videos of what happens on our campus.

This fall the Miami faculty was ranked the #1 public faculty in the country for their dedication to undergraduate teaching (#3 overall - Princeton & Dartmouth tied for 1st). While this ranking is amazing, it may give the impression that our faculty is all studies and not very much fun. Well that is completely false, the Miami University faculty love their jobs and every once in a while put on a show for their students. I invite all of you to check out this link to see our faculty performing a flash mob in King Library on campus during a regular Thursday afternoon. It is a great video and shows an idea of what makes Miami different. ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJi8qbcTAnU&feature=share

Fall is here!

2011-10-14T10:18:00.002-04:00

Fall has officially arrived in Oxford, Ohio and Miami's campus is a beautiful canvas of orange, red and yellow! Fall is my favorite season--the time of year for all things pumpkin flavored (bread, coffee, ice cream, cookies, muffins), and going to pumpkin patches, hay rides, haunted house, and Halloween parties.

This is my 6th year working in Admisison, so Fall also means travel season! I spend about 4 weeks on the road visiting high schools and attending college fairs. Have you seen the posters around your school announcing our visit? There will probably be a lot of schools visiting, and we encourage you to take advantage of these! This is a time to get some face time with an admission counselor who can answer all your questions about their school. Not sure what to talk to an admission counselor about? Here are some helpful questions:

1. Are there opportunites for research and working with faculty?
2. What do you look for academically in the application?
3. What kinds of scholarships and financial aid do you offer?
4. Are students required to live on campus?
5. What do students do for fun?
6. Tell me about study abroad options.
7. What do you like best about your school?
8. How's the food? (come on, you know you want to know! :) )

Fall is also a great time to visit college campuses and if you haven't already done so, start your college applications! You can schedule your visit at www.muohio.edu/visit and apply online at www.muohio.edu/apply.

Tours and _________!

2011-08-02T13:31:00.027-04:00

As summer winds down and the class of 2012 finally begins to come to the realization that senior year is upon them, campus visits become a crucial deciding factor in where you will spend the best 4 years of your life. We recognize that campus life and student activities are critical factors when making your college decision so we have altered our fall visit schedule to offer Saturday visits that coincide with some amazing events happening on campus.

TOURS & PIGSKIN

Beginning in late September and continuing through October we have shifted the information session and tour time on select Saturdays to 10am so that our visiting families can have the opportunity to see our RedHawk football team in action. The football team is defending Mid-American Conference and GoDaddy.com bowl Champions (see my blogs from December and January if you want to relive the magic) and multiple players have been named to national award watch lists, wide receiver Nick Harwell and Defensive Lineman Austin Brown. Nick is on the Bilentnikoff List for best wide receiver in the country and Austin is on the Rotary Lombardi List for the nation’s best lineman. We hope that you will be able to come see our campus and help us cheer on our football team. The dates for these special visits are:

9/24 vs. Bowling Green State University (Family Weekend; Conference Opener)
10/1 vs. University of Cincinnati (The Battle of the Victory Bell, one of the oldest rivalries in the country)
10/8 vs. The United States Military Academy – Army
10/29 vs. The University of Buffalo (Homecoming)

Prior to every home football game the athletics department also hosts tailgate town with performers and other attractions for your enjoyment before kick-off, one year there was even a mechanical bull! Tickets for any of the games can be purchased through our athletic ticket office by phone at (513) 529-HAWK or 1-866-MUHAWKS.

Above: Austin Brown (90) leading the Redhawks onto the field

Right: Nick Harwell (8) shedding a defender during the GoDaddy.com bowl

TOURS & CULTURE

If you are interested in seeing a performance that showcases various cultures our annual Global Rhythms presentation is the event for you. This year’s theme is GLAM UP! with 400 artists of varying backgrounds taking the stage between Friday and Saturday nights performances. The events will be held on September 23 and 24 at 8pm in Hall Auditorium, giving you the option to see the show before or after your tour. Fashion will also be a large focus at this year’s program and if you purchase tickets in advance for the Saturday show you will be able to sample food from Northern India! More information on performers and the event overall can be found here: http://www.cawc.muohio.edu/special-events/global-rhythms

TOURS & LAUGHS

On the Friday evening Family Weekend Miami will host a show by Comedian Jeff Dunham titles “Identity Crisis.” Dunham will be performing this all new show on Friday, September 23 at 8:30pm in Millett Hall. If your family is coming into town early this is something you may want to check out! Time Magazine has even said Jeff Dunham is the most popular comedian in the United States. Tickets for the show and more information can be found here: http://www.miami.muohio.edu/familyweekend/index.html

TOURS & THEATER

The Miami University Department of Theater will have two shows on weekends that coincide with our campus tours. On the weekend of October 7-9 there will be performances of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” at 8pm (Friday and Saturday) in the Gates-Abegglen Theater. On the weekend of October 28-30 the department will present George F. Walker’s “Better Living” at 8pm (Friday and Saturday) in the Studio 88 Theater. Tickets for these shows can be purchased through the university box office at www.muohio.edu/boxoffice or 513-529-3200.

TOURS & TUNES (Reloaded)

Our summer “Tunes & Tours” are very popular events, but for those of you who were unable to attend we have more musical presentations available. Miami University is home to many dynamic musical groups and we would love for you to be in the audience. On the evening of October 8 many of our a capella groups will be performing in concert at 8pm in Hall Auditorium. Performers will include the Cheezies (all-male), Misfitz (all-female), Mergers, and Remnants. These groups are favorites across campus and their shows are always enjoyable. If you will be joining us on homecoming weekend, our Miami University Steel Band will be performing in concert at Hall Auditorium at 8pm. Our steel band is spectacular and they even have recordings that can be purchased on iTunes, this could definitely be an opportunity for you to experience something different. Tickets for these shows can be purchased through the university box office at www.muohio.edu/boxoffice or 513-529-3200.

If you are interested in signing up for a tour please visit www.muohio.edu/visit. If you plan to attend any of the events listed above I will suggest you sign up for the campus tour prior to buying tickets as our Saturday visits tend to get full very quickly.

Love & Honor!

It's almost Application Time!

2011-07-22T11:39:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone! I hope you are enjoying the summer. It’s hard to believe the semester is just around the corner. Signs are already on campus for football games and campus entertainment, the university is preparing for the students to return and current students are itching to return to Oxford. Here in admission, we’re already getting calls and emails from students ready to apply to the university!

The number one question I have been getting from students is where should I be at this point in the application process? The answer, not everyone is at the same pace, but the fact that you are thinking about the process means you are where you need to be.

Some students will be ready to apply when the Miami University application is available on August 1 (www.muohio.edu/apply). Others are still shortening their long list of schools to a short list. Keep in mind that you once August hits you can submit your application as soon as you’re ready, but you can always take the time you need to ensure you have filled out the application to your satisfaction as long as we have it by our decision deadlines.

As you begin to take a look at applying, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Do not rush your application just to have it done. This process allows you to let the college know the student they are admitting. Take your time to really allow the institution to get to know you as a person.

2. Map out the timing of filling out the application. Chances are you about to get extremely busy when the school year starts, so keeping yourself on a schedule will keep you on track.

3. Ask questions. This is a big decision you are making and you want all the information. Call us at 513-529-2531 or email us at admission@muohio.edu. We are always more than happy to answer any questions that you may have.

Best of luck to you as you begin application season!

Early Decision: Great Option, Strong Message

2011-07-13T11:46:00.002-04:00

Spend some time on our Admission website, and you might notice a significant change. For the first time in the University’s history, we have a site set up specifically for Early Decision admission: www.muohio.edu/earlydecision. Naturally, the question becomes is this a good option for you? Before you answer that question, let’s focus on the word ‘option.’

Indeed, it is just that. There is no pressure per say to apply Early, but we’re essentially being as transparent as we can. Yes, we like it when students really like us. There’s no stronger message you send to a college than to say, “This is a great school and yes, if I’m admitted I will be coming.” It’s kind of like an allegiance you have to a name brand (Starbucks comes to mind) or a particular channel (for me it’s National Geographic). That allegiance will always come first, no matter the other options on the table. Early Decision—for the most part—works that way. It’s not to say you haven’t considered other colleges, but there is one shining brighter than the rest. If you feel that warmth when you take a tour or attend an information session, go with it. Embrace it. Apply early and tell us you love us. Your application will be due sooner rather than later, but you will also have the college search process wrapped up early into your senior year. Do you know how AllState offers the peace of mind guarantee with auto insurance? That’s what we’re offering too---less stress senior year, and more time to assimilate into the Miami Family before you actually arrive on campus.

So why is Miami emphasizing the Early Decision option now? Why now seems to be the core of the chatter both on and off campus. To get that answer, just reverse the question. Why not now? In a world where students are bombarded with so many options/incentives, we initially didn’t want to appear pushy or pressure students more than they are already pressured. We wanted to outline three specific dates and adhere to them. It’s not so much that we have changed, but the world has changed. Students have gotten smarter and they are starting their college search process earlier and earlier. For thousands, this also means that come November, there aren’t a ton of colleges left on the list. The ones that remain are serious contenders and more often than not, students just seem to “know” their top choice. Act on that and be bold. My advice is if you can complete the following sentence in less than a minute, apply early: “I truly love Miami University and I am applying Early because…..”

Here’s the real pearl in all this discourse—your chances of getting in are better. There’s just no way around it. The applicant pool (which historically has been less than a 1,000 students) is a lot smaller than the Early Action and Regular Decision pools. It’s still going to be competitive because we are a selective school, but it’s not alarming numerical odds.

Finally, whatever option you choose, make sure it’s the right one for you. Pledging your allegiance to Miami is “in”, it is popular and more and more students are doing it. We hope that after careful consideration, you’ll declare Early Decision too.

A Few Questions with a New RedHawk

2011-07-06T11:38:00.016-04:00

Hello Everyone! Summer is moving quickly and it’s almost time for rising high school seniors, class of 2012, to begin their college application journey. I thought now would be a good time to get some insight from a new RedHawk on the application process and what he likes about Miami. Enjoy!

Meet Kendall, an incoming first-year student-athlete from Columbus, OH. Kendall will be playing baseball at Miami. Here’s what he had to say:

1) Why did you choose Miami?

I chose Miami because I felt very comfortable as I came on my visits. Being a baseball player, that had some say in my decision as well. The major factor was how I felt when I arrived on campus; it felt like somewhere I wanted to be.

2) What are you most looking forward to?

I am most looking forward to meeting new friends during my first year. I'm curious to see how well I'll make the transition from high school to college as well.

3) What are you most nervous about?

I am most nervous about time management. I have heard from others how it is the key to success in college and I hope can learn to manage my time well.

4) What was the hardest part of the college application process?

Personally, the hardest part of the college application process was making sure I had all the requirements (recommendations, SAT/ ACT scores, etc.) all in order and all present to ship out to each college.

5) Do you have any advice for students that are preparing to apply to college this fall?

Don't let anyone tell you there's somewhere you can't go. If you want to get away, do it. Take the time to go visit and apply to the school. If you don’t get in, so what. At least you made them say no whereas you never know what would happen if you didn’t even apply. Also, don't stress!

I Choose Option Number 2: Making the Case for Deferment

2011-06-27T13:29:00.002-04:00

One of the most beautiful aspects of being a student is that at this stage of the game, your life is full of choices. Some big, some small. One of the biggest decisions an accepted student to college weighs is whether or not to defer his/her admission. I recently sat down with a student here in the Office of Admission who wanted advice on the issue. She also wanted me to weigh in on the “stigma” associated with students who opt to defer. Here’s my two (or three) cents:

Go for it. You only live once. If you’ve discussed it with your family and the pendulum seems to be leaning more on the side of deferment, trust your instinct. The decision to defer is a personal one and is often made for a variety of reasons. The student I mentioned above is spending a year doing mission work in the United States. Some students will travel abroad with different service-based organizations. Maybe you’ll spend a year on a farm in Vermont discovering with your hands what sustainable agriculture really is. Some students will spend a year at a golf academy or playing hockey while others will volunteer for a community based organization they are passionate about. Whatever the case, students who defer are in no way disadvantaged. Once you arrive here, you will assimilate like every other college student…just with a little more life experience under your belt. If anything, deferred students report back to us that they feel more grounded after a year of intense focus on one thing and that they feel well rounded and better prepared for the journey of college.

There’s also the indelible imprint on your life. Spending an entire year doing something you love helps more clearly define some of your long-term goals. It might also influence what you major/minor in at Miami. You might spend that year volunteering at a Spanish-speaking school and that prompts your interest in the teacher education program here at Miami with an emphasis on foreign languages.

In terms of the process, you will need to email Ann Larson in our office to request a deferral. In this email request, you also need to explain what you plan to do during your deferment. The request needs to come from you, not your parents. If you received scholarship money, more likely than not it would still be applied the following year. The only difference is if you filled out the FAFSA and received aid, you will have to fill it out again the following year. Also—you are not allowed to take any college courses during the year you defer.

Deferring is not for everyone, but for some of you—it will indeed make all the difference.

Summer College Visits

2011-06-16T11:58:00.000-04:00

Greetings All! I hope you are enjoying the beginnings of your summer. For most of you, the school year has ended which means it’s time to start college visits! I always get the question, “Is it worth making a visit to a college if the students aren’t there?” My answer is always, “Absolutely!”

First, even though the semester is not in session, there are many Miami students currently on campus taking summer classes. As a result, you will see Miami students walking through the quad as you explore our campus. In addition, first-year orientation is occurring, which means that the students that were in your shoes just one year ago are now visiting their university for the first time as official Miami students. You will certainly have the chance to see students on-campus and uptown, and they are always more than happy to help you find your way around or answer a question.

Second, being on a college campus without much of the student population allows you to really see if you feel at home. If you love the university by just stepping foot on the campus and imagining all the opportunities available to you, then just imagine how you are going to feel about it when all your future friends and classmates return to campus! Can you see yourself playing Frisbee in our quad, using the Rec, sitting in class in an academic building, or meeting friends at the seal?

Finally, it’s understandable that you may feel a little overwhelmed when you first step foot on a college campus. Add a college student population and you may feel a little uncomfortable. If that is the case, it’s perfectly normal. But, by visiting a college campus the first time when the general student population is not there, you are able to get comfortable with a place so when you return for your second visit, instead of worrying about how you will make at that school for the next for years, you will be planning what you will be doing for the next four years.

So as you make your college visit plans for this summer, stop by Oxford, Ohio. Miami University will welcome you with open arms! Just make your plans at www.muohio.edu/visit!

Commencement: the end, or the beginning?

2011-06-02T09:21:00.001-04:00

Well, it’s June! Congratulations to all you seniors have just graduated or are getting ready to walk across the stage and receive your hard-earned high school diploma. When you reach the end of a chapter in your life, you might be so excited to start the new chapter that you forget to relish the old! As one student wrote in our Admitted Student Facebook group: “Get me to Miami NOW!... Please? (:”

I don’t blame you. Miami is great. You will have four fantastic years here. This place will become a part of you and help to guide the rest of your life. But before you pack up and move on, take a moment to reflect on where you are, who you are, and the things you’ve done. Think about all the things you will miss: the people, the spots you love, the leadership roles you worked hard for, the familiarity of it all. Enjoy them one last time before you close that chapter.

I am also looking forward to a new chapter. Tomorrow is my last day as an Admission Counselor, and soon I will start a new role as Assistant Director of the Honors Program here at Miami. And while I am so excited to get started and dive right in working with all of you in the Honors Program, I have to take a moment to look around and reflect on the last three years I’ve spent in this office recruiting great students like you.

I will miss reading your inspiring application essays. I will miss walking into your high schools and picturing what your life must be like there. I will miss driving around your cities on your roads, stopping in your Starbucks or grabbing lunch at your Panera. I will miss answering the phone and hearing “Hi Mandy, it’s me again.” I will miss welcoming visitors to our campus and showing them how great life Miami can be. I will miss getting to know you and walking you through the stressful process that is college admission.

But, as you know, it is not the end. It is time for us to find out what new things we will love, what new things we will someday miss. And it’s time to dive in J

Summer in Oxford

2011-05-12T10:51:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! While the year has ended for current students, we are here all summer to welcome the Classes of 2015 and beyond! We will be hosting summer tours and information sessions for prospective students and families Monday through Friday and select Saturdays. You are more than welcome to register for these events at www.muohio.edu/visit. In addition, the office is now on Summer Hours, so our new schedule is 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

A question we are always asked when it comes touring colleges in the summer is, “Is it worth coming to campus when the students are not is session?” The answer is Absolutely!

While there aren’t 17,000 students roaming our campus, there are still about 3,000 students taking summer courses in Oxford. In addition, with the beauty of Miami in the summer, you won’t want to stop wandering around, providing you will the full sense of what our campus has to offer. Don’t be surprised when you see people walking through the Formal Gardens or playing volleyball on Western campus. The summer showcases the outdoor activities students have available. If you see me running in the Western Woods with my dog, please be sure to say hello!

Summer is Oxford is fantastic. People are always out and about, eating outside at restaurants or benches, listening to live music at the uptown park, or walking around town with ice cream. While many restaurants and stores do adjust to summer hours, getting a bite to eat, finding an activity or looking for a place to shop is not an issue. I feel extremely fortunate to have spent the better part of the last few summers in Oxford, and I hope when you visit Miami, you will get a small piece of that satisfaction.

As you make your visit this summer here are the top 5 things to do while you are at Miami.

Take a longer tour of campus: You will have the opportunity to have a normal campus tour, but take advantage of the nice weather and see parts of campus that the tour didn’t cover.

Explore an Academic Building: There are classes in session, so the academic buildings will be open. If you are a prospective engineering major, walk through the Engineering Building. If you a prospective business major, walk through the Farmer School of Business Building.

Talk to a Student: Even in the summer students choose to stay in Oxford. Find out why and what their Miami experience means to them. Students are always happy to talk to prospective families.

Visit the Uptown Park: There are a lot of activities happening at the Uptown Park in the summer. Be a part of it!

Eat at a restaurant Uptown: Many uptown restaurants have outdoor seating so you can enjoy the weather while you talk about your visit to Miami.

As always, if you have any questions about a summer visit, you are always welcome to contact your counselor which you can find at www.muohio.edu/askacounselor or call the Office of Admission at 513-529-2531.

The Unusual Beginning of the Rest of Your Life

2011-05-09T13:31:00.004-04:00

Right now, the campus is still. At this point in the year, most students have packed up and left. Their absence is already being felt and unfortunately, it doesn’t feel very good. As someone who was personally counting down to the time when there was no line at Starbucks in the morning and no competition for treadmills at the Rec Center at 6:00 am, something about this feels wrong. It’s off. It’s that feeling when you complain about all the fishermen on the river banks only to return a week later and it’s just you and the fish. Instead of celebrating the isolation you reflect on how poignant chaos can be.

Don’t expect the sadness to linger. There won’t be time. The first summer orientation session kicks off in exactly 23 days. As a bystander, it doesn’t matter what campus you’re on –whether you’re in Omaha or Oxford—some orientation snapshots always look the same. Faces full of bewilderment, excitement, nervousness and anticipation. And those are just the parents! Orientation is for just that—orienting. In just a day and a half, it’s a jam packed schedule focusing on course registration, new student advising and simply getting a feel for the place.

Naturally, orientation segways into the real thing. College life. A new beginning whose structure, in some ways, is right on par with a laboratory. In fact, one definition of laboratory is, ‘a place for practice, observation or testing.’ And what a practice run this will be. Before you live (happily ever after we hope) with a spouse, you will live with a roommate. Before you devote your life to Early Childhood Education, you will explore comparative religion, political science, a semester of German and possibly French. Before you master spaghetti bolognese, you will be tempted with all kinds of foods and discover that the human body can function on a steady diet of mozzarella sticks and grilled cheese. Before you pick Minneapolis as your home after Oxford, you will have traveled to Beijing, Dijon and Washington, DC. During these “college years”, most of your best friends will live within a 1 mile radius of your hall and the majority of you will be sheltered from any kind of serious crime.

It’s unique. It’s unusual. But most new beginnings are.

For some of you, you’re transitioning from the only home you’ve ever known….. to a world full of freedom and tremendous responsibility. If you’re smart, you’ll follow the advice National Geographic dispenses to its audience daily: ‘Live Curious.’ It’s a necessary way to live, especially during that first year. It means combining your passion for Zoology and Women’s Studies. It means at least listening to what the College Democrats have to say at their meeting even though your heart is Republican. It means being open to that casting call from the Theatre Department for a hula dancing violinist dressed in purple and lending a helping hand when your roommate decides your door would look more festive with swabs of carpet.

Like I said, it’s unusual but most new beginnings are.

Full Circle

2011-05-05T16:51:00.002-04:00

Of all the moments in the Admission cycle, this is by far my favorite. It’s that in-between time when acceptance letters have been sent out and confirmations begin to roll in. It’s the time when—unlike a lot of professions—you can physically witness the fruits of your labor. To paint a picture of our office, imagine a canvas where brush strokes illustrate words like contentment, excitement and pride.

Yesterday, Senior Associate Director Ann Larson whispered the phrase every Office of Admission wants to hear in May : “We made the class.” Translation—good work team. We were tasked with recruiting the best and the brightest, and somehow we managed to pull it off. Again :)

To quote our President, Dr. David Hodge:
“As a result of this effort, we have so far confirmed 3,648 students, which is right on our target goal. It is a very strong, academically accomplished group with a significant increase in the number and percentage of out-of-state and international students.”

In other words, we’ve come full circle. Rather—you have come full circle. For many of you, your introduction to Miami started with a visit to our website, a campus tour or visiting friends and family associated with the University. From that initial visit, a spark was somehow ignited. Fast forward and you went from filling out the Common Application, to a full-fledged candidate for admission, to an accepted student and then—a student with many options on the table. We might never know what sealed the deal for you to confirm. And that’s okay. Perhaps it was one of our Make It Miami accepted student events, or a final conversation with a counselor. It might have been our impressive statistics or maybe you connected with an enthusiastic alumna or alumnus. Whatever the case may be, it turned out that we became the priority option in front of you. And for that—we will always be grateful.

Speaking of gratitude, take a moment (in between the remaining senior year parties, Facebook posts and on-line residence hall furniture shopping) to remember what a gift this education is. You will spend many years on campus just thinking and learning, and meeting new people. It may not come neatly wrapped with a bow---but it’s the most significant gift you will ever receive. And you should not take it for granted. If not now, someday you will understand what this really means.

As you transition to college, know that another circle is about to begin. It starts off with orientation, meeting that friend who will turn into a lifelong friend, an amazing trip abroad or interest in a major that turns into your life’s passion. Before you know it, four years will have flown by and yet another circle will be complete.

As you begin this next chapter, take a moment to celebrate not only your impressive admission to Miami but also the foundation you built that got you here, right now, in this very moment. Congratulations Class of 2015--it’s now full speed ahead……

The Right Fit

2011-04-19T16:52:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone! I hope you are enjoying the last weeks of high school. We’ve certainly enjoyed seeing you here at Miami as we have had thousands of visitors this month. But rest assured if you have not gotten the chance to come to Oxford, you can always log on to www.muohio.edu/visit to schedule your information session and campus tour.

It’s hard to believe the year is coming to an end. Students are always amazed when they realize that the semester is over. Ask graduating seniors, and you will consistently hear, “I can’t believe it’s almost over! I never want to leave!”

I think that speaks volumes about the university. After four years, students have all of the skills necessary to succeed beyond college. Yet, students enjoy their collegiate experience to such an extent that they wish it could continue. This is something I encourage all of you graduating high school seniors to think about as you consider which school you will be attending. Do you feel like that when graduation comes four years from now, you will wish it will still be just a few more days away?

Undoubtedly you have been told about finding the right fit. The idea that you can see yourself spending the next four years on Miami’s campus even if you have only spent a few hours visiting the institution, can be daunting, but think about it like this:

Can you see yourself sitting in a classroom in any of the academic buildings, actively participating with your professor and classmates?

Can you see yourself playing Frisbee, hanging out with friends or doing homework on Central Quad?

Can you see yourself walking around the seal as you go class?

Can you see yourself walking under the Upham Arch?

Can you see yourself in the student section cheeringly rabidly for the Miami Hockey Team?

If you can see yourself making the most of the opportunities available to you as a college student; if you can see yourself as an active member of the college community; if you can see yourself being happy that you are a student of the university, then these are all signs that you are feeling the idea of the right fit.

So as you high school seniors countdown the days towards college and make that final decision, and even as you high school juniors and sophomores begin your college visits, ask yourselves these questions to see if the place you are visiting is the right fit. We certainly hope Miami will be that right fit for you!

I am not a parent.

2011-04-08T11:21:00.010-04:00

I am not a parent. But, my younger brother is a 17-year-old high school junior who is just starting his college search. Let’s call him “Adam.” Adam has the distinct benefit of entering the college search process with an older sister who is a college admission counselor. But, finding the right fit is a process that is even hard for me to guide him through.

Even though I have a master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education and work with students and families as they apply for admission at Miami, I can’t help but admit that I feel like a fish out of water when we start looking at the list of thousands and thousands of undergraduate institutions where he might spend his collegiate years. He has a few criteria: Division III football, a pre-Physical Therapy program, and not New Hampshire, where he is in school now.

My instinct as an Admission Counselor and a college graduate is to say that these criteria are stupid. Many schools, for example: Miami, have great club football teams that are comparable to Division III football, but he hasn’t really considered that as an option. In addition to that, Adam has only played football for two years; not so long that he should be making a major life choice that centers on it. I can certainly understand that Adam is an athlete and wants to continue playing sports at the highest competitive level that’s possible for him, but there are so many opportunities in college to do that outside of varsity sports!

While it’s great to look at academic programs when making your decision where to attend, I know that the average college student will change majors 2 or 3 times. Even more compelling is the statistic that college graduates will make 5 career changes in their lifetimes! But, my real hang-up with this one is that pre-Physical Therapy programs serve one function: to get students to take the right classes for admission into DPT programs. Any student with a computer can find the requirements for pre-PT and take those classes in college. So, Adam could really go anywhere and be pre-PT!

The last bit of information that we have to work with is that Adam doesn’t want to be in New Hampshire. I am trying to pinpoint why this is a criterion. Is it because he doesn’t like the state? Probably not. More likely, he doesn’t want to be in the middle of nowhere or covered in snow for 6 months. But right now, all I can get is “not New Hampshire.” Well, that crosses a few schools off the list.

One of the hardest things for me to do as a sister is allow Adam to make his own choices. We are lucky to have the resources to visit many different colleges, so Adam can get a feeling about a lot of different schools and narrow his focus that way. In the end, it’s his collegiate career, his future, and his experience to have. I owe it to him to let him work through all of these decisions and arrive at a conclusion about where he will attend. As long as he does it by May 1st, 2012!

Where is your new hangout spot on campus?

2011-03-22T08:38:00.003-04:00

Congratulations on your acceptance to Miami! We understand the first thing that students think about when coming to college is the education they will receive. Regardless of which of our 100+ majors and 5 academic divisions you choose, you’re probably looking for a place to hang out and make friends. What is going to be your place on campus? Flat Swoop took a journey around campus to show you where you might be spending quite a bit of time over the next few years.

Upham Arch/HUB: Rumor has it that if you kiss your sweetheart under the arch at midnight you are destined to be married. Upham Arch and the Hub are the crossroads of campus. Whether it’s in the arch itself or sitting on the benches around the university seal, this is a common place for students to stop and chat in between classes.

Central Quad: One of the most picturesque views on campus, Central Quad is where many students go to hang out on sunny days. Whether it’s tossing a football or Frisbee or sitting on blankets doing homework , it is not rare to see lots of students enjoying the quad until dark.

Recreational Sports Center: Students spend hours at the Rec swimming, lifting weights, doing cardio work outs, playing basketball and enjoying the rock climbing wall. Whether it’s a before class work out by yourself, an afternoon basketball game with friends, or a late-night indoor soccer games with complete strangers, the Rec has something for everyone.

The Goggin Ice Center: Where one of the nation’s top collegiate hockey team dominates the ice, The Goggin is home to the best fans in college hockey on Friday and Saturday nights during the season. The RedHawks often face off against some of the best talent in college hockey with Notre Dame and Michigan being a part of the CCHA. In addition, Goggin offers multiple seasons of intramural sports such as hockey and broomball where students get the chance to play with their friends.

Residence Halls: Students spend lots of time in their Residence Halls. Whether it’s watching television and playing games in the common area or spending time in each other’s rooms, the Res Halls are where students are able to form instant communities. Students are required to live in the residence halls for 2 years, and sororities also occupy these buildings. Each sorority has a suite in which the chapter is able to hold meetings and spend time together.

King Café: It’s no secret that students spend a fair amount of time in the library. But when students want a break from peaceful studying, they can head down to King Café to meet with friends and to relax while still studying their material. Students will often bring their books downstairs and grab some coffee and enjoy the change of scenery as they run into friends who are in between classes or studying for the night.

Special Thanks to Elizabeth Anderson, Colin Brand, Kappa Kappa Gamma and Lauren McBride!

Beware "The Ides of March"!

2011-03-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

No, this is not a reference to the famous Shakespearean quote from Julius Caesar, it is however a reference to Clooney, Gosling, and Tomei. Yes, that’s right; I am referring to movie stars George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, and Marissa Tomei who are shooting their newest film “The Ides of March” here in Oxford on Miami’s campus.

The film crews have been on campus all week and of course there have been many star sightings, including girls screaming at the mere sight of Ryan Gosling and people scrambling to get a picture of George Clooney. Scenes for the film have been taped at the Farmer School of Business Building and Hall Auditorium, and people from the Miami Community were invited to be extras in the film. Now, I know Oxford is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of movie sets and A-List Hollywood actors, but this is not the first film to tape scenes on Miami’s beautiful campus. “Little Man Tate” starring Jodie Foster was also filmed here in the 90s.

Now that you have your fun fact I’ll share with you my close encounter with The George Clooney. Yesterday as I was walking back to the office after lunch I was diverted from my regular pathway because the movie crew moved to their location at Hall Auditorium. Since I was a Miami student I knew the easiest way around the closed sidewalk was to go around the library. As I was walking around the building and chatting with my friend a large black SUV started coming down the one-way street between the library and McGuffey Hall. We thought nothing about it until my friend peeked in the back window and turns to me saying “That’s him!” I thought someone important was in the vehicle but we didn’t know if it actual was him until one of the producers nodded to us with a smile and said “Yes, that’s him!” There were tons of people waiting on the other side of the building trying to catch a glimpse of George Clooney and here we were just walking back to the office and we were 5 feet away from him. Talk about lucky! My friend froze in her tracks but of course I said “hi” and told him to have fun filming, to which he replied “hi” back, smiled, and gave us the thumbs up. Then everyone realized he was behind the building not in front and he was whisked away in the blink of an eye. Sadly we were not prepared to take a picture of this once in a lifetime occurrence but we have the memory, and I hope you will be able to create great memories like this at Miami!

Did I mention now there are rumors swirling that Leonardo DiCaprio is here too?! I think I may go on Leo Watch to find out if it is true!

New Bookstore!

2011-02-24T13:54:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! As you come to visit campus, I hope you are ready to check out our NEWLY RENOVATED BOOKSTORE! Now that the construction has ended, it has become quite the place to visit on campus.

I remember visiting Miami is 2005 and wanting to go to the bookstore to see all the college gear that my potential future college had in stock. The bookstore was loaded with Miami material from t-shirts to blankets; sweatshirts to pennants; it was wall to wall Miami. Every time I visited the bookstore, it seemed like there was more university apparel (and textbooks of course!), but less room.

I remember making one last bookstore run with some friends the last week before graduation. It was funny to think about how 5 years earlier we had been standing in this same place at the end of our junior year of high school, wondering if this was the bookstore of the institution where we would spend our college careers.

And then it went under construction. The bookstore had always been serviceable, but we were told that the new bookstore would make us jealous that we were not entering Miami as first year students when it opened (we were already jealous of the incoming students because they got to spend the next four years at Miami). After seeing the newly renovated bookstore, I can’t help but wish this had been here when I was a student. It is magnificent, and I encourage all of you to check it out when you come to campus. The bookstore is in the Shriver center—the same site as Make it Miami.

These are pictures of what our renovated bookstore looks like.

Be sure that you stop by as you visit the campus to pick up your brand new Miami gear. If you visited in the late fall or early winter, make sure to stop by the next time you visit to see what your new bookstore will look like!

What Now?

2011-02-10T13:00:00.001-05:00

Greetings from the Office of Admission! I want to take a moment to let you know that this year has again been a record-setting year for Miami! As of today, we have received 18,183 applications for admission. Last year we got a total of 16,960 applications. That means our pool is getting increasingly selective, and as a result we had to make many difficult decisions during our application review. Some of you may have gotten a letter indicating that your application was deferred into Regular Decision, which means that it will be reviewed again and you will get a new decision on March 15th.

You may be thinking, “Okay, what now?” There are a few steps that you can take to make sure we have the best information possible before making our final decisions on March 15th. First, be sure to send us the most updated grades that you have. Your school’s guidance office can forward new transcripts to the Office of Admission (301 S. Campus Ave, Oxford, OH 45056) for our review. Additionally, you can log on to your appcheck website to make sure we have your best standardized test score on file. If we do not, send it to us as soon as possible. You may also want to consider updating your activities list or sending an additional letter of recommendation by emailing your counselor. All of these pieces of information can help us make the most informed decision about your application file.

And here’s a tip for all applicants who have been admitted, deferred, or still have an incomplete application: FILE THE FAFSA! File the FAFSA as soon as possible and send it to every school to which you have applied. Miami’s FAFSA deadline is February 15th, and that is a very firm deadline! The FAFSA is only necessary if you would like to be considered for need-based financial assistance, but we always recommend filing the FAFSA if you are unsure of your eligibility.

As always, contact us if you have any questions! Time to get back to reading all those applications! :)

It's The Final Countdown!

2011-01-31T12:54:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone!! It is January 31, 2011…do you know what that means?

It means that early action applicants will know their admission decisions tonight! All of our admission decisions will be live on the appcheck website (www.muohio.edu/appcheck) at midnight Eastern Standard Time. This is the first place you will be able to view your decision, so if you can’t wait or just don’t want to wait for the mailed letter check here.

Information on your decision was also mailed to your home address. We sent out almost 10,000 decision letters on Friday with hopes of them getting to you as soon as possible. We are excited about this year’s applicant pool and hope that you are as excited as we are!

If you have gotten this far and are now realizing that you cannot find your appcheck login information make sure you e-mail your counselor and ask them to send it to you again. You can find out who your counselor is and their email address at www.muohio.edu/askacounselor. We can only give out this information to you so make sure you personally request it.

Lastly, before I sign off, I’d like to leave a note for all of our regular decision applicants. We are working hard on reviewing your applications and you will be notified on March 15, 2011. If you are applying regular decision and you still have materials outstanding please remember that the postmark deadline is tomorrow February 1, 2011.

Until next time,
Lauren

Feb 1 is almost Here!

2011-01-27T16:04:00.000-05:00

Hello friends!

I hope you are having a good winter. I can’t believe it is almost February! This year has been flying by!

Right now we’re getting set to mail out decisions to Early Action students. So if you are in this pool, be sure that you are checking your mail. In addition, you will be able to access your decision online at 12:00AM on February 1. To check your status, visit www.muohio.edu/appcheck. Let your admission counselor know if you are having any issues logging in!

We’re also getting ready to review Regular Decision applications. If you have not yet applied, you still have a few days! They are due on February 1. Go to www.muohio.edu/apply to begin your application.

There is a lot going on here at Miami right now. The hockey team is playing out the stretch for a bid at its 7th straight NCAA tournament and its 3rd consecutive Frozen Four. The Men’s basketball team, after playing games against Duke and Kansas are playing their conference schedule and looking for a MAC Championship. Bill Nye the Science Guy is coming to give a lecture on campus as is Former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. This is a just a small sample of why students never run out of things to do on campus.

In addition, now that we’re about to hit February, not only are the days seeing more sunlight, but the temperatures will start to warm up soon. We’re no strangers to some cold February and March temperatures, but I can’t remember a year in the past 4 where we didn’t get some unseasonably warm days where we could go play football, hike in the woods, sit out and read or get some fresh air. It reminded us all that the warm weather would be here soon (and also unfortunately that the semester was going to end).

I hope you college seniors are getting ready for college. I know each time I write one of these blog posts I remember what an amazing experience I had at this university, and I hope you will have the same.

NOTE: Regular Decision Applications are due FEB 1, 2011

New Year, New Office

2011-01-12T13:49:00.012-05:00

Hello, Readers! You may have recently seen a caption on Miami's visit website indicating that our office is under some serious construction! If you were to walk into our office today, you'd be greeted by a huge scaffolding... we like to call it "The Tunnel:"Don't worry, The Tunnel will be gone soon! In fact, check out the progress that's been made inside in just a few short weeks! Can you believe this is the same corner of the office?Check out the new home for our Visit Coordinator, Katie! Old hallway... new hallway!
As our construction draws to a close, we hope you get a chance to come visit Miami University to see what poet Robert Frost called "The most beautiful campus that ever there was." And maybe to sit in our fun new chairs!

Hello from Mobile, Alabama!

2011-01-07T16:55:00.005-05:00

Last night the Miami RedHawks played in the GoDaddy.com bowl and defeated the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State University 35-21. I have been down in Mobile since Wednesday to partake in the bowl festivities and support the RedHawk football team. The festivities included a Mardi Gras Parade, a fireworks display, and of course pep rallies for each team. The Miami University Marching Band and Cheerleaders were on hand to get all the RedHawk faithful pumped up for the big game. While the floats were quite amazing, the best part of the parade was watching the football players try to catch the beads and moon pies that were being thrown into the crowd. Miami University President Dr. Hodge and Athletic Director Brad Bates were both in the parade and yes, they threw beads too! The hotel I stayed in was the team hotel and the staff was nothing but accommodating, they even decorated the lobby with Miami Flags and signs of support from the student body and the Oxford Kroger. Staying in the team hotel also meant many funny encounters with the members of the football team.
The team left for Mobile last Saturday and they have enjoyed the Southern hospitality to the fullest extent. While in Mobile they were able to visit the USS Alabama battleship, and participated in and WON the bowling tournament pitting the two teams against each other in a competition not on the football field. Possibly a sign of things to come…

When Thursday finally arrived the team was electric with excitement, this was Miami’s first bowl since 2004 and we had a chance to make NCAA history. A RedHawk win in the GoDaddy.com Bowl would mark the first time in NCAA history that a team went from double digit losses to double digit wins. The players went through their normal game day routines and boarded the buses to go to the stadium. The game was long and hard fought through the first 3 quarters but in the 4^th quarter the defense stepped up into high gear and intercepted Middle Tennessee’s passes multiple times. The interceptions stopped touchdown trading that had occurred the first three quarters and sealed the victory for the RedHawks of Miami University. Under the direction of interim coach Lance Guidry and under the watchful eye of new head coach Don Treadwell the Miami University RedHawks became the GoDaddy.com bowl champions and added to their already historical season. Worst to first in the Mid-American Conference, a nine game win improvement (tied for most in NCAA history), and the first team to ever go from double digit losses (1-11 in 2009) to double digit wins (10-4 in 2010) in NCAA history.

Well it’s time to board my plane and head back to Oxford so I can continue to read applications and answer all of your questions. Don’t forget our last application deadline is February 1st! I’m also going to leave you with some pictures from my trip.

Love and Honor! Go RedHawks!

A couple of floats from the Parade

Miami Representatives in the Parade: President Hodge, Athletic Director Dr. Bates, & the MUMB (Miami University Marching Band)!

Some of the guys on Gameday (Left: Tight end Ken Bruton; Right: Defensive linemen Austin Brown and Will Diaz)

Welcome New Members of the Miami Family (Left: New Head Football Coach Don Treadwell; Right: Newly Admitted Class of 2015 Student Curtis Jefferson)

Miami Players Celebrate their 10th win! (Clockwise from top-left: Wide Receiver Armand Robinson; Linebacker Evan Harris; Linebacker Austin Moore; Defensive Lineman Jordain Brown)

Winter at Miami

2010-12-17T14:36:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone. I hope you are enjoying the beginning of your holiday season. There has been a lot going on at Miami. Students are currently gearing up for finals as they get set to go home for a few weeks. But if there is anything I learned in my time as a student, and certainly as a working member of the university, it is that while it is fun to go home and see family in friends, after a few days you are ready to be back at Miami.

A question I always get asked when prospective students and parents learn that I am an alum is, “Was Oxford the type of place that you missed when you went home?” The answer is always the same. “Absolutely!”

Every winter I would go home after finals, take a two day nap that would be frequently interrupted by chores, see my friends and celebrate the new year. Then it would be January 2, 200_ and I would wonder why I was still at home in Chicago. Don’t get me wrong. The most important things to me are friends and family. But Oxford has that magical quality to it. It always calls you back. So much so, that I would volunteer at Winter Orientation not only to help new students, but to get back to what more and more became my home.

I love Oxford in the winter. Growing up, it isn’t winter if there isn’t snow, and while we don’t get nearly as much snow in Ohio as I did when I lived in Illinois, the beauty of a snowy Miami campus is breathtaking. Some of my best Oxford memories occurred in the winter—moments that will be with me forever. Here are two of my favorites.

In the winter of my sophomore year, Oxford had a rare blizzard. I was with six of my friends in a residence hall room and we were watching the weather as we debated the odds of classes being cancelled (they weren’t). We were hungry, and apparently blizzards are the only conditions in which establishments do not deliver food (pizza has been delivered during a tornado warning). So we called Bagel and Deli, who said that even though they wouldn’t deliver, if we came in they would make us bagels. So we put on our snow gear, tracked through campus in the blizzard and made our way Uptown. When we got to Bagel and Deli, my friends knew the person working there, so we talked to him for awhile as he couldn’t believe we had decided to leave the hall for bagels. As we thanked him and made our way back outside, he handed us a bag of popcorn and told us to take it. We earned it for making the trek uptown.

The second moment happened in the winter of my senior year. The university has an emergency text message system. When classes are cancelled or there is inclement weather, students who have signed up for the service receive a text message. As I sat in class, I could hear the vibration of everyone’s phone go off. Afternoon classes had been cancelled. I called my friends. We took everything we could find. Trays, garbage bags and sleds were taking to the giant sledding hill. There, the five of us joined, and I kid you not, at least 75-100 other students who found whatever they had and taking it sledding. We raced, took turns going off jumps, and had contests to see who could go the farthest down the hill. It was an absolute blast.

These are just two of many Oxford memories in the winter. I can guarantee that if you spend your next few winters in Oxford, you will be filled of winter memories that will be pulling you back to Miami as you drink hot chocolate on your couch at home wondering what your college friends are up to. I’ll give you a hint, they’re wondering what you are up to as well. And they’re already making plans for what to do when you get back to campus.

Early Decision Notification!

2010-12-14T12:21:00.002-05:00

Today is December 14th. That means it’s a mere HOURS before our Early Decision applicants are able to view their decisions online! For those of you who are unfamiliar, Early Decision is a category that some colleges use that will always mean the same thing wherever you see it: it means that you make a binding commitment to attend that institution if you are admitted. As you can imagine, it is a big decision to apply to a school Early Decision, and that’s why we require the contract to be signed not only by the applicant, but also by the school counselor.

There a few important things to know about applying Early Decision. First, Miami performs the Early Decision application review the exact same way as we review all of our other applications. We don’t give special priority to those students who apply in this category. One thing to remember, though, is that Miami reviews our applications contextually, so we look at the whole pool of applications in addition to just your application. This year, Miami got 500 applications for Early Decision, while we have about 13,200 applications for our other admission categories! Because we review Early Decision files first, our context is smaller, and in some cases that can work to the applicant’s advantage.

Another important factor to think about when you are considering applying Early Decision is that you will hear your decision prior to receiving your financial aid award. Because we want to be fair to all of our applicants, we review for financial assistance blindly (meaning we don’t see which category you applied for) in March. However, an Early Decision applicant has already committed to attending Miami without seeing what the award will be!

We are very excited to release admission decisions to the Early Decision pool tomorrow. Applicants, you can log on to your

appcheck website to find out your decision at midnight tonight! If you are having trouble finding your login information, contact your admission counselor before 5pm today! To find out about all of our application deadlines, check out www.muohio.edu/apply.

Hope you're enjoying this holiday season as much as we are here in Oxford! check out a pic one of our tour guides took of Uptown Oxford:

It's A Great Time to be A RedHawk!

2010-12-09T11:05:00.005-05:00

It’s the beginning of December and the atmosphere around Oxford is electric. This week we found out that our Mid-American Conference Champion football team will be competing in the GoDaddy.com Bowl in Mobile, Alabama on January 6, 2011. The RedHawks (9-4) will face the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State (6-6) in a game televised on ESPN. I have never been more excited in my life, and the way that we won the Mid-American Conference is an even better story. (Prepare for a short game recap…in case you missed it.)

Miami was a 17 point underdog going into the Mid-American Conference Championship game last Friday against then #25 Northern Illinois (NIU) but the RedHawks never let that get them down. We scored first after an amazing run by Thomas Merriweather (later named MAC-East game MVP) placed us in the redzone but NIU answered quickly. The game was a dog fight until the end. By the time the 4th quarter was winding down to its last 2 minutes Miami was down by 1 point. All we needed was a field goal to win but knowing that NIU had already blocked one of our extra point attempts and a field goal attempt we actually needed a touchdown to “seal the deal.” The Miami crowd (including President Hodge) stood in the stands nervous about what would happen. Hopes were high after we were given a short field with NIU punting out of their endzone, but we knew we had to be efficient and not lose the ball. The crowd stood still with anticipation as Austin Boucher started guiding the team down the field then the movement stalled and the RedHawks faced what seemed like an impossible 4th down and 20 yards to go situation. The NIU crowd was convinced that the game was over, there was less than 2 minutes left, what did they have to worry about? Austin Boucher’s completed 31-yd pass to Chris Givens is what they probably should have worried about. The pass was tipped by NIU and fell into the hands of Givens sending the Miami fans into a frenzy (and later being one of the top plays on SportsCenter!). It was unbelievable, the RedHawks were in field goal range and still had time to go for the endzone. Two plays later Boucher completed a pass to Armand Robinson who was wide open in the middle of the field and Armand ran straight into the endzone with 33 seconds left in the game. The RedHawk fans cheered louder hoping our defense could hold NIU and preserve our win. An Austin Brown sack as time expired finally sealed the deal for the RedHawks as the team rushed the field. Final score: Miami – 26 NIU – 21.

Miami completed a true worst to first turnaround going from 1-11 in the 2009 season to 9-4 and MAC Champions in 2010. This is only the third time this feat has been accomplished and Miami students, fans, and alumni could not be any happier. Now as we prepare for a trip to Alabama there is plenty of action going on in the friendly confines of Millett Hall and the Goggin Ice Center to keep everyone occupied. The men’s basketball team is currently 1 – 1 against cross town rivals, beating Xavier by 11 and losing to Dayton by 12. Next up is the University of Cincinnati on 12/21 at Millett. Ice Hockey just completed a series against Notre Dame which the RedHawks and Fighting Irish split. Next up the Brotherhood (the nickname for Miami’s Hockey team) will travel to Florida for the Florida College Classic before taking on Ohio State in Columbus.

Before I end this post I would like to also let all the readers that have already applied know that we are still processing your transcripts and recommendation letters. Please allow at least 10 business days for your paperwork to be processed and updated on your appcheck website. If you know these forms have been submitted do not worry, you are still eligible for the Early Action deadline! If you have problems with your application other than the transcript/recommendation letter please make sure you contact us (513) 529-2531.

I am going to leave you now with some pictures from the MAC Championship Game. Enjoy. Go RedHawks!

The RedHawk Offense

Lining up for the 4th and 20 Miracle Play

The Video Screen

Love and Honor! Let the Celebration Begin!

New Counselor in the Office!

2010-11-19T09:43:00.001-05:00

Hello Everyone! My name is Lauren and I am the newest counselor in the office. I am very excited to be back at Miami, I graduated in May 2010, and I cannot wait to help you with your college search process. I am the designated counselor for Minnesota, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. I love my territory because I have a connection to all of those states, except Tennessee (I cannot wait to visit so I can change that). My mother’s family is from South Carolina, my father’s family is from North Carolina, I have an uncle that currently lives in Kentucky, and my best friend from college is from Minnesota.

Currently the office is very busy because we are in the middle of our application deadlines for the entering fall of 2011 class. Our next deadline is December 1st, which is designated “Early Action”. This is a non-binding deadline and the great part about it is that you will find out your decision on February 1st. The majority of our applicants every year choose this deadline because of the earlier notification date, but please note that we also have a regular decision deadline of February 1st which is ideal for students who are taking standardized tests for the first time in December or are waiting for an updated transcript. When I applied to Miami, I applied during the Early Action deadline. I loved knowing where I was going to school at the beginning of February, versus my friends who were still waiting for decisions.

If you have any questions feel free to call the office or contact the counselor designated for your area. All of our contact information can be found at www.muohio.edu/askacounselor.

Happy Application Season!

Bridges

2010-11-16T11:35:00.001-05:00

It’s November! That means it’s time for my absolute favorite program of the year at Miami. This year, we are hosting roughly 450 high school seniors from around the country for a program called Bridges. We conduct three two-day sessions in November (all lasting from Sunday to Monday) with 150 students each. This program allows students to experience Miami University firsthand through an all-expense-paid overnight visit where participants stay on campus with current students.

Bridges is different than all of our other programs at Miami because it is designed specifically for underrepresented student populations, and is a way that we as an Admission office can level the playing field for students with fewer resources and people that can help get them to college. That’s why in addition to our campus tour, academic classes, and campus exploration that any Miami visitor can do, our admission representatives conduct an “Application 101” session. In this session, we talk about the ins and outs of the application, the financial aid process, and how to monitor the status of the application after it’s been submitted. We also showcase some of our student support staff members from Financial Aid, the Miami Access Initiative, MADE@Miami, Academic Advising, and other offices.

The best part? Participants in the Bridges program, if they choose to enroll at Miami’s Oxford campus as full-time first year students, receive a $2,500 scholarship that is renewable for four years. And, they get an application fee waiver! To all you high school juniors out there who are interested in applying to Miami: that’s 10,050 reasons to apply to the Bridges program next year! You can find more information and the application for the program at www.muohio.edu/bridges, which will be updated in the spring with next year’s information.

The Miami Community--It lasts a lifetime

2010-11-01T08:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween! I love this time of year at Miami because it provides that sense of community that is on campus. Whether it is an English class full of students dressed up as Robin Williams from Dead Poets Society or a Finance class coming to the Farmer School of Business dressed as doctors, football players, and animals, you get that feeling of everyone just loves being at Miami right now, and it is a very powerful thing.

It is funny to think about the strength of the Miami community. While I was out on the road throughout the month, the campus kept pulling me back to Oxford. I was able to finish my travel season in time for Homecoming. To see all the alumni coming back from places like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Denver, in addition to Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, really put into perspective how special this place is to those who have attended the university. Whether it was seeing the masses of people uptown after the football game, or the rowdy crowd cheering on our hockey team to two wins with a combined score of 13-1, or the people watching the parade floats drive by with the new generation of Miami students waiving to us alumni, the sense of the Miami Community was palpable.

When we talk about that sense of belonging to something bigger than yourself when you attend Miami, this is what we’re talking about. We’re talking about being able to go up to a complete stranger wearing Miami gear and becoming instant friends, simply because you both lived in Emerson Hall. Even if it was twenty years apart. It’s being able to talk to alumni who remember Miami having a struggling hockey program that played its games in a much smaller venue but still knowing that his passion for the RedHawks is as strong as your passion for the National Championship contender you see every year. It’s standing in line for bagel and deli, reliving a memory from sophomore year and hearing the Miami ’98 grad talk about the time he was waiting in line his sophomore year. It’s knowing that Miami is place that sticks with its alumni forever, and they just keep coming back every year.

I hope that as you enjoy your trips to Oxford and that you feel this sense of community as you visit campus. Because as an alum who just spent homecoming with thousands of others Miami family members, that feeling never goes away.

Admissions Note:
Today is the deadline for Early Decision. As long as your materials are POSTMARKED by November 1, they will be accepted for Early Decision. As a result, if have sent them through the mailed and we have them with a Nov. 1 date or earlier, they may be processed after the Nov. 1 deadline, but they will certainly be accepted.

The Staff Keeps Growing!

2010-10-22T13:47:00.004-04:00

My name is Raegan and I’m a new Admission Counselor here at Miami University. I moved to Oxford after living out my dream of going to Alaska. After four exciting years in the Last Frontier, it was time to return home. I’m originally from Ohio and have always had great respect for Miami. I have a background in both college admissions and television news. This job is a natural fit for many reasons, but namely because my college search process was so positive. It was a process that inundated my family for more than a year. Weekends & vacations were spent visiting colleges, taking tours and meeting with academic department heads. I was also fortunate enough to do several overnight visits. It’s a daunting process, but also a fun process if you allow it to be. Here at Miami, I am the territory manager for Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. I look forward to meeting students from those regions during my upcoming travel.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit us here in Oxford, rest assured that this is a great, vibrant community where something is always going on. I’ve lived in Oxford for a month now and it already feels like home! When I’m not at work, you’ll most likely find me taking pictures, running or hiking with my golden retriever Ezra on one of the many trails around campus. There are miles and miles of nature trails surrounding the campus—Four Mile Creek is a personal favorite, especially at sunset. I’m also a big fan of both our Farmer’s Markets here in town—the vendors are some of the nicest people on the planet. Seriously.

Please know that you can always contact me if you have questions about admissions or you just need some advice about finding a college that’s a good fit (raegan.butler@muohio.edu) . You hear counselors say that all the time, but it really does matter. The best college in the world can also be the worst if it’s not where you are suppose to be. Have a little faith. Ask questions. Learn to enjoy life’s process as well as its rewards.

Dalai Lama at Miami

2010-10-22T08:15:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, Miami University was graced with the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet. While he interacted with students, faculty, staff, and trustees in various settings, his lecture on "Ethics in the Modern World" was delivered to a sold out crowd in Miami's Millett Hall and sold out remote viewing locations, totaling close to 12,000 viewers.

His messages were powerful, to say the least. But what I was most anxious to share with you was his reflection on the 20th Century, and his hope for the 21st Century. He indicated that the former was a century that will be remembered by bloodshed, concentrating on the violent "solutions" to human differences that were employed in this time. But he looked forward, too. He charged us, the younger generation, to ensure that the next century is one of dialogue. He stressed that we have ninety more years to make this century into what it will be remembered for. Dialogue, he stressed, is how we can take difference of opinion, policy, religious affiliations, and come to a productive understanding that is mutually beneficial.

As he sat with his shoes off and his legs curled under him, he talked about the root of happiness and internal peace. Genuine affection, both showing and receiving, can allow us to flourish as humans. He called on the audience to remember how we feel when we are treated with affection and love, and how we feel when we are treated with mistrust and fear. Without ever using the term "karma," he was clear in his message that we receive what we put out in the universe.

Miami has made a commitment to provide a global education, primarily achieved through opportunities like Study Abroad. His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Miami is indicative of the ways in which the Miami education provides a global experience right here in Oxford, Ohio. To learn more about the Dalai Lama's visit and the many opportunities for students to interact with him, visit www.muohio.edu/dalai-lama.

News Flash for Business Students!

2010-10-18T11:48:00.002-04:00

Attention potential Miami Farmer School of Business students!!! The Farmer School of Business just announced that they will be admitting some applicants directly into the program. Normally, we require all incoming business students to complete seven pre-major courses. So, if you fall into either one of these categories:

Admitted to Miami and selected Business as the academic division
ACT of 29 or higher or an SAT (CR + M) of 1290 or higher AND
GPA of 3.70 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) OR top 10% of their class

Admitted to Miami and selected Business as the academic division
Admitted to Miami’s honors program

You will be admitted directly into Miami's nationally recognized Farmer School of Business! To learn more about being a business student at Miami, go to www.muohio.edu/fsb. And as always, you can direct any questions to your admission counselor at www.muohio.edu/askacounselor.

Confessions of a New Admission Counselor

2010-09-20T13:19:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is off to a good start this year! We’ve been excited to begin visiting your schools and thrilled that you have been visiting us here at Miami. As I started my job as an admission counselor at the beginning of this month, I began to ask myself many of the questions you may be asking yourself when you talk to a counselor.

1. Does my admission counselor really love Miami this much?

The answer, quite simply, is YES! While some of us, such as myself, spent our undergraduate careers studying here in Oxford, others have come to Miami from different experiences because they feel a very strong connection to the university and its mission.

2. Is my college counselor giving me the same speech he/she gives every student?

The answer is a resounding NO. We understand the individuality of each student as well as the diversity of questions in the minds of prospective students. As a result, we answer these questions personally and as they pertain to the individual.

3. Is my college counselor looking for a type of student?

Actually, yes. ALL OF THEM. Miami is looking for all students that are hoping to excel in college and contribute to the university and society. We do not look for a “typical student.” Our students come from all walks of life, all over the nation and all over the world. We want students that are looking to make the most out of their education.

4. Can I really contact my college counselor at anytime?

Absolutely! You can always call the office of admission or our direct phone lines to get in touch with us. We are more than happy to answer your questions. In addition, you can send us an email at anytime, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

5. Why does my admissions counselor keep mentioning they wish me luck with my college decision?

We understand that choosing a college is a big life choice. We have been there ourselves. Myself, more than once. After initially going through the college decision process, I found that I was in a different place after I started college than I was when I began my college search. As a result, I went through the college process more carefully when I decided to transfer schools, looking at institutions that met my needs. That search brought me to Miami. Ultimately, we want you to do what is best for you because this is your education and your life.

I hope these have helped answer some general questions you may have about your college counselors. Please contact us if you have any questions about Miami. You can visit www.muohio.edu/askacounselor to ask your counselor a question. And sincerely, we wish you the best of luck on your college search.

Fall already?!

2010-09-02T10:40:00.004-04:00

Alright. It’s not even okay that it’s September. Where did summer go?! For many of you, this fall is the beginning of the end: your last year of high school! It’s also a time when you start deciding where to send in your college applications… which means that it’s an important time for us in college admission as well. As you start classes this fall, you may notice your guidance office advertising visits from colleges around the country who come to talk about their school and the application process. In the admission world, we call this “travel season,” where we visit high schools during the school day and attend college fairs in the evening. Many of us are on the road for over a month!

Traveling is my favorite part of being an admission counselor. Don’t get me wrong… I also love reading applications, giving presentations on campus, meeting with families and planning our on-campus programs, but there is something special about the thrill of going from school to school, seeing new faces, and talking about Miami to students who may not have the opportunity to visit our campus. I also love hotels (free cable, pool, and gym? Yes, please!) and exploring new cities. This year I have the amazing opportunity to travel to Atlanta, Denver, Nashville, and Cleveland, where I will hopefully meet many future Miami students! This is Shaker Heights High School in Shaker Heights, OH... one of my favorite schools to visit!
You can see where Miami is hosting programs at www.muohio.edu/inmytown. Be sure you’re getting emails from Miami by filling out a request form at www.muohio.edu/requestinfo, and we will email you if we will be coming to your high school or to a college fair in your area! You can also visit www.muohio.edu/askacounselor to email your counselor and find out if he or she will be at your school.

Welcome Back!

2010-08-30T13:19:00.002-04:00

Happy first week of school for some of you all! For us in Oxford, it is a beautiful morning and we are excited for the 2010-2011 school year! I always enjoy the first week of classes because students are very excited to see one another and our new first year class, their first step into university life. It's always fun having students stop by my office in between classes just to chat about the summer and what interesting things they’ve done. I had one student, Robert, who helped with Teach For America in Atlanta, Georgia for the summer and another student Sierra, who is excited about her Urban Teaching Cohort which takes place in Over the Rhine, a low-income area in Cincinnati. Not only will she have the opportunity to do her student teaching in nearby Cincinnati, she will actually live in Over the Rhine and get the opportunity to immerse herself in that community. If you are interested in checking out this opportunity through the School of Education, Health and Society, feel free to visit http://www.units.muohio.edu/eap/digitallearning/utcVideo.html to view a video.

In addition to hearing about the students and their summer, during this time is when we also find out about national rankings through national media outlets. Some of those are the U.S. World Report has recognized us as #2 among national universities for our commitment to teaching, Forbes labeled us "Best Buy," PARADE Magazine named us a Top 25 public university, Washington Monthly talked about our success for low-income students and lastly, G.I. Jobs designated us a "Military Friendly School."

We really hope your school year begins well and if you have any questions, feel free to leave it in the comment box!

2010-08-23T14:26:00.001-04:00

Visit Miami
Today our Saturday Tour registration went online! I am very excited we are able to host our Saturday information sessions across campus in our newest building, the Farmer School of Business. Fall is a great time to visit our campus with classes in full swing. The First day of class for Miami is Monday, August 23rd and already the campus energy is buzzing as we welcome our new and returning students and faculty.

Schedule a visit to Miami at www.muohio.edu/visit.

It's almost time!

2010-07-31T12:20:00.003-04:00

I'm blogging today because it is a mere 12 hours until August 1st! The Common Application is finally available for you to begin applying for admission for Fall of 2011! Our future Miami Class of 2015 can go to www.muohio.edu/apply or directly to www.commonapp.org and create your Common App profile. This application is accepted at 416 colleges, including Miami University! It's great because you fill it out one time online, and you can select the schools to send your application to. Most college applications ask you for the exact same demographic, personal, and family information, which is why the Common Application is so nice: you fill out that information just once!

One aspect of the application that can be confusing, though is the list of deadlines on the Common Application. Because colleges use different terminology, there is a list of many different "Decision Deadlines" that you can select. At Miami, we have three deadlines to choose from:

Early Decision (November 1st)- This deadline is different from the others because you actually fill out a contract to go with it. You sign a document saying that if you are admitted during this deadline, you will attend this college. It's also referred to as a "binding" deadline because you are doing just that: binding yourself to attend that school if you are admitted. You are notified of your decision on December 15th, and if you are not admitted, you are released from that contract, but your application is automatically reviewed again in Regular Decision.

Early Action (December 1st)- This is Miami's most popular deadline. You are not making a binding commitment, so you still have the freedom to choose which college you would like to attend after you receive your admission decisions. But, you get notified of your decision on February 1st, so you have the peace of mind of knowing your decision earlier! If you're not admitted, your application is reviewed again in Regular Decision.

Regular Decision (February 1st)- Generally speaking, if you are planning on applying to selective colleges or universities, you should have your application in by February 1st, as this is the latest deadline for most selective colleges. We let you know on March 15th of your admission decision.

So, set your clocks, and begin working on your Common Application on August 1st! We are SO looking forward to reading them, and welcoming you to Miami's Class of 2015! As always, if you have any questions, contact your admission counselor at www.muohio.edu/askacounselor.

2010-07-23T12:24:00.003-04:00

Summertime Visit to Miami!
Last night we hosted over 100 visitors for an evening tour which gave our visitors a chance to join the Oxford Summer Music Festival Concert Series free concert in Uptown Oxford. These events are great entertainment for our summer students and Oxford community members who come together to enjoy local musicians! My brother plays string bass in one of the local bands that performs each year and everyone in the band is a member of the Oxford community. They all work full time in different careers, some who are owners of Uptown businesses and they come together to share their passion for music.
Schedule your visit www.muohio.edu/visit
Oxford Summer Music Festival Concert Series in the Uptown Parks Thursday Evenings in July & Augusthttp://www.enjoyoxford.org/2010_Music_Festival.pdf

Future Cincinnati Opera Idol?

2010-07-14T10:46:00.002-04:00

I am so proud to work at a university with such talented and amazing students. The best part, though, is that we have such a wide variety of student success. We get constant updates on scientific research, business proposals, archaeological digs, and volunteer work that students are doing. I just found out something that I just HAD to share!

Mark Aiken, a senior music education major, made it to the finals of the Cincinnati Opera Idol competition! And just like the TV show, he needs votes to win!! Aiken, who is from Cincinnati, will compete against five other finalists for the title. To vote, go to http://www.operaidol.org/. Deadline to vote is July 19, so don't waste any time!

Summer Heat!

2010-07-12T10:59:00.003-04:00

A lot of our current student’s really seem to think that we admission counselors don’t work in the summer since they know that they and their faculty are not on campus (unless taking/teaching summer classes). On the other side of this, the university still needs to function whether it is summer, fall, winter, or spring. The few of us who do work in the summer get to spend some quiet time around town. Since we don’t have a lot of students here, it is also a great time for those staff members to take some vacation time. So, if your admission counselor is out vacation and you really need to have a question answered…no worries! There is always someone here in our office Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm EST that can help you, so give us a call at (513) 529-2531. As for me, I am headed to my hometown of Brownsville, Texas in two days to visit my family and friends and to get married in nearby South Padre Island, Texas (please keep your fingers crossed for no rain or hurricanes).

What will you be doing this summer? Staycation? Any vacations?

My Miami Experience

2010-07-01T15:29:00.001-04:00

For the last two days, I have been at a seminar on Privilege and Allies on campus here at Miami. Although we talked about many different types of privilege, including gender, religious, sexual orientation, and class, the seminar really centered on issues of race. The issue of race and privilege is actually the reason that I decided to work at Miami, and so this was a great experience for me to remember why I am here.
Let me give you some context: as a White woman, I never really expected to feel so passionately about racial oppression. But once I came to terms with the reality that oppression that doesn’t live in the hearts of individuals, but in the systemic inequities, there was no turning back. I knew that the rest of my life would be full of conversations about this concept we call “White Privilege.” As I said before, there are so many different ways that a person can have or not have privilege. Students of color are one of many demographics that have to think about things that the average Miami student doesn’t. For example, Black students are sometimes the only member of their race in any given classroom.
Although this topic is much too deep to delve into in this context, I am proud to say that I work at a university that holds seminars just so that we can get together and talk about what it means to be privileged and what it means to be oppressed. And we generate conversation about how we can be better allies as we continue to educate our constituents.
Miami is a university that continues the conversation about inequity. When it came time for me to choose a job, I knew Miami was a good choice because of opportunities like this one. When it comes time for you to choose a college, I hope you remember that Miami is a university that values education that will help change our students and our world.

Miami: My Two Worlds

2010-06-23T12:59:00.005-04:00

Miami University is a great college choice, and it’s also a great place to work. I’ve done both! I graduated from Miami in 2009 with the bicentennial class, and I had the opportunity to join the admission staff shortly after graduating. I was excited to spend an extra year at my home away from home, and it’s been a wonderful experience seeing Miami in two very different ways. When I was a student, I would get up and head to class or begin studying. Instead of throwing on something casual, I had to get used to dressing up a little more and head to the office after grabbing a bowl of Special K. I’m still on Miami’s campus, but it is a much different atmosphere in the professional world since campus is no longer my home. Throughout this past year, I’ve made a lot of connections with parents, students, guidance counselors, and colleagues, and I have also enjoyed doing some travel for the university. Choosing the right college is certainly not an easy process, and I have enjoyed helping students find the right fit. My time at Miami is now drawing to a close as I am preparing to move away for graduate school, but I want to give a shout out and welcome the incoming freshman class. I also wish everyone the best of luck finding the right college!

How is Miami like Disney World?

2010-06-15T10:01:00.004-04:00

Last week I went home to Tampa, FL to spend some time with my family. After a long admission season, it was really nice to relax for a whole week! While I was home, I took a trip to Epcot: one of the four theme parks that make up Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. I hadn’t been to Epcot in over ten years, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I was definitely surprised at what I found! Most theme parks I’ve been to are focused on entertainment and exhilaration, but Epcot provided an educational perspective that many parks lack. From the “Spaceship: Earth” ride that highlighted the influence of technology on innovation, to the “Living with the Land” ride that emphasized the importance of sustainability on farming, my brain was full of appreciation for the human spirit. These rides were all part of the “Future World” section of the park. The other side of the park is called “World Showcase” for a very good reason: it’s made up of eleven pavilions that represent different countries of the world. Each ‘country’ has components that allow visitors to gain a sense of the culture: clothing, rides that detail the history of the country, dances, music, and of course, FOOD!

After a full Moroccan meal, I thought about how my Epcot experience was really similar to a college experience. One great part of college is that you learn new things all the time, and you get a better understanding of things that you already knew. But, in my opinion, the better part of college is the exposure to so many different people and cultures. And the best part? That you get to teach your friends about your family’s killer mac’ and cheese recipe, or the Dutch Dance you do every year, or your practice of Bhakti Yoga. These interactions are what make college such a profound and life-changing experience, and these are the things that you have to look forward to!

Proud moments

2010-06-11T10:20:00.003-04:00

Last Friday night I celebrated my son’s high school graduation. Yesterday, I attended the First Year Orientation with him here at Miami University. I was impressed with the advising staff who took time with each new student and family to provide information and share available resources to help start their journey into college. Today, I am so proud of my son’s success and proud to welcome him to the Miami Family! Check out our Miami advising and majors below to begin your future plans.

Links with information about advising and majors at Miami University: http://www.miami.muohio.edu/academics/advising/index.html http://www.miami.muohio.edu/academics/majors-minors/index.html

Macy’s Day Parade

2010-06-04T08:58:00.002-04:00

I know what you’re thinking…its June, why am I blogging about the Macy’s Day Parade now? Well, we just got word that our Marching Band will be marching at the parade this year, which I think is amazing. As a former band member (both marching and concert), I know how much of a major accomplishment this is and I will finally be able to proudly say: that is OUR marching band out there and cheer them on from my comfy couch at home. This is definitely going to be one more thing added to the holiday lists of “to dos.” Are you going to watch?

Go Green, Miami!

2010-05-26T09:40:00.003-04:00

Are you going green? So is Miami! Miami University was recently recognized for having the first residential hall in Ohio to receive a 2010 Energy Start from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Heritage Commons are on-campus student apartments that include a single room for each person, a joint bathroom used by two, and a common living and kitchen area. Only 5 years old, Heritage Commons accommodates up to 108 students who prefer the apartment-style living but want to stay on and near campus. The EPA gave kudos to Miami for meeting requirements in the categories of indoor air quality, energy performance, thermal comfort, and lighting levels. The university closely monitors all electrical and water usage on campus and has made strives to conserve energy when possible, saving the university substantial amounts of money. Miami is excited to receive this award and is encouraging others to find ways to conserve everyday resources. Go green!

Digital Games

2010-05-11T15:55:00.001-04:00

Digital Game Studies
Do you love video games? Wouldn’t it be great if you could study video games in college? Miami University has lots of ways for you to study and earn college credit for your passions. A Digital Game Studies minor or Interactive Media minor might be something to consider. Miami also offers a series of classes in these areas that you could choose for a Thematic Sequence outside any major. All students complete a Thematic Sequence as part of the Miami Plan.
Miami University Digital Game Studies was named one of the top 50 programs in the nation! Miami has a program that includes a game lab, the world’s largest virtual reality space, and rapid prototyping where students can design 3-D models and more!
Pictured above are participants in the 2010 Miami University Global Jam, an event with students age 16-35 who spent a weekend on campus creating a game from concept to completion.
Miami University offers a liberal arts education that you can customize to fit your goals and areas of interest. Follow your passions to have the best college experience and to open a future in areas you love!
Links to help you discover more:
http://aims.muohio.edu/game-studies-minor/
http://welcome.eas.muohio.edu/global-game-jam-comes-to-miami/
http://www.miami.muohio.edu/academics/index.html

Yummy

2010-05-11T10:55:00.002-04:00

Once again Miami University’s housing and dinning services won gold, silver and bronze awards at the Loyal E. Horton Dining Awards which is sponsored by the National Association of College and University Food Services. Miami actually received the most honors in the competition and we will compete for the grand prize during the national conference this July!

So, if you are visiting us this summer or fall, please feel free to stop by one of our award winning dining facilities on campus for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you would like information on what is being served at the dining facilities and the calorie content as well, please visit http://www.hdg.muohio.edu/EatingAtMiami/.

Congratulations class of 2010!

2010-05-06T10:50:00.002-04:00

On behalf of the Office of Admission, congratulations to both graduating Miami seniors and high school seniors! You should all be proud of your accomplishments. Miami seniors are enjoying their last days here with senior week, which included a class trip to the Cincinnati Reds game on Sunday and will include a last senior lecture on Friday. Saturday is the big day. The senior class of 2010 will zip up their gowns and adjust their tassels while they say good-bye to friends, family, and their beloved Miami University. The commencement exercises will begin at 2:00pm at Yager Stadium and will include keynote speaker Kenneth Merten, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Haiti and Miami alumnus of 1983. Graduation weekend will continue with academic divisional recognition ceremonies on Saturday, May 8 and Sunday, May 9.

Congrats to all high school seniors as well! We are proud of your achievements, and we look forward to welcoming you into the Miami class of 2014!

Hop on the bus!

2010-04-22T10:51:00.001-04:00

Miami University offers a metro bus system to all students who want to get around a little quicker. Transportation is available to and from the Oxford/Hamilton campuses, uptown Oxford, and various places around the Oxford campus. Miami University recently received a grant to expand its Metro destinations! Starting in fall of 2010, Miami Metro Busses will occasionally provide transportation to and from Wal-Mart in Oxford as well as Jungle Jim’s International Market in Fairfield, OH. This exciting change will allow students who do not have cars to do some extra shopping in their free time, especially if students are browsing for international food. Miami is happy to provide services to students of all backgrounds and making the community at Miami more inclusive.

Junior Scholars Program

2010-04-19T13:01:00.004-04:00

Attention Juniors! What are your summer plans? Miami University offers an exciting summer studies program that gives you the opportunity to see what it’s like to be a college student. The Junior Scholars Program invites high school students to campus during the summer between their junior and senior year to take classes, live on campus, get an insider look on college admission and financial aid, and engage in social activities. Students typically take two classes from a list of forty classes and will receive college credit for coursework earned. Those who complete the program in good standing are guaranteed admission to Miami University if they meet the academic requirements. We want you to be part of the experience! The application deadline is approaching on May 1, 2010, so visit the Junior Scholars Program website for more information on tuition, facts, contact, and the application: www.muohio.edu/juniorscholars.

Still deciding?

2010-04-15T15:23:00.001-04:00

It’s April 15th! For your parents, that might mean the stress of filing taxes is now over and they can enjoy a free cup of coffee. If you are a senior this year, it might mean that you are only two weeks away from the national deadline to choose your college: May 1st. This can be a stressful experience- you have put in so much time and energy visiting colleges, filling out applications, waiting patiently for admission decisions and financial aid packages. And now it’s up to you. There are so many things to consider: what will your professors be like? What will your friends be like? Where will you study? Can you find a place to watch Glee on Tuesdays? Is there a Chipotle nearby?

Whatever you are considering, it is important to remember that this is your decision. Only you can determine the right questions to ask, and the right answers to those questions. Choosing a college is not about finding the one perfect campus, the perfect department, or the perfect location. It’s about finding what feels perfect for you.
One of the best ways to make your final college selection is to do one last visit. Visualize being a part of that community, saying “hi” to friends as you walk across campus, hanging out in the café, playing guitar in the quad—whatever it is that you want from your collegiate experience. There’s still time: register for a Make it Miami! event today and see if Miami is your perfect fit!

Where will Swoop go next?

2010-04-01T11:14:00.003-04:00

While practicing his skating skills at the Goggin Ice Center, Miami mascot Swoop came face-to-face with a zamboni! An unfortunate series of events resulted in Swoop’s untimely flattening. See the video here. Despite this accident and his current flattened state, we want Swoop to continue to see the world! Enter our contest to keep him soaring. Photograph your journey with Flat Swoop around your hometown, during your spring break trip, at a senior event—wherever your travels may take you. By submitting a photo, you will be entered into a drawing for one of our great prizes (limit one per student):

13" MacBook computer (courtesy of the Miami University Bookstore notebook program)
iPod Touch
Miami Hockey jersey
$100 bookstore gift card
(4) $15 restaurant gift cards

Visit our Flat Swoop website for details on how to submit your photo! Swoop has already been hanging with Miami's hockey team, headed to the NCAA Frozen Four next week! Where will he go next?

Admitted Student Chat

2010-03-31T14:51:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to all of Miami’s Class of 2014 accepted students! Miami will be hosting a live chat just for you. If you would like to talk to current students, faculty, and staff, join us online on March 31st! Still have questions about your future Miami experience or just want to know what it’s like here in Oxford? Talk to an admission counselor in our main chat room or join a specific room to ask about the Honors program, student life, study abroad, financial aid, and just about every academic department you can think of! Miami representatives will be chatting from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., and 8:00 pm. – 10:00 p.m. Check your email for the chat URL and login instructions. Can’t find it? Check your spam filter! Make sure to add our email address (admission@muohio.edu) to your Address Book or Safe Senders List to receive our important emails in your inbox. See you online on March 31st!

On the ice.

2010-03-30T14:54:00.007-04:00

From Broomball to Synchronized Skating we are really known for our sports on the ice! This past weekend we hosted the International Skating Institute (ISI) at our Goggin Ice Center. There were more than 100 teams and over 1,000 skaters on our campus from ages 4-81. At the competition all three of Miami’s synchronized skating teams preformed during the exhibition portion. The senior team currently holds the third place U.S. National Championships while the junior team finished in fifth. For more information about Miami’s Synchronized Skating Team, please visit: http://www.muredhawks.com/sports/w-syncssk/mioh-w-syncssk-body-main.html.

Another team on the ice doing well is our Men’s Ice Hockey team who will be playing in the final four after a 3-2 double-overtime victory over Michigan at the NCAA Division I Midwest Regional. For more information about the game and/or information about tickets, please visit: http://www.muredhawks.com/sports/m-hockey/mioh-m-hockey-body.html.

A Gleeful Weekend

2010-03-25T13:24:00.004-04:00

There’s always something exciting going on at Miami! This past weekend, the Miami University Men’s Glee Club hosted the Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses National Seminar (IMC), a three day event that including concerts, luncheons, discussion panels, and an all-conference get-together. The seminar included 12 colleges, 3 high schools, and 4 other choir groups, from various parts of the country. IMC Vice President and Conductor of the Miami University Men’s Glee Club, Ethan Sperry, opened the concert series with 100 members of the Miami University Men’s Glee Club. Other featured performers included Dr. Jameson Marvin of the Harvard Glee Club in his 32nd and final year as conductor. It was an exciting weekend to welcome many visitors to campus. If you are interested in learning more on the Men’s Glee Club, visit their website at http://www.mugleeclub.org/ Miami has many music ensembles for students of any major may join. Check out this link for more information on acapella, choir and instrumental ensembles: http://arts.muohio.edu/music/ensembles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5lYAB0bk38

Admitted Student Chat

2010-03-19T13:27:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to all of Miami’s Class of 2014 accepted students! Miami will be hosting a live chat just for you. If you would like to talk to current students, faculty, and staff, join us online on March 31st! Still have questions about your future Miami experience or just want to know what it’s like here in Oxford? Talk to an admission counselor in our main chat room or join a specific room to ask about the Honors program, student life, study abroad, financial aid, and just about every academic department you can think of! Miami representatives will be chatting from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., and 8:00 pm. – 10:00 p.m. Check your email for the chat URL and login instructions. Can’t find it? Check your spam filter! Make sure to add our email address (admission@muohio.edu) to your Address Book or Safe Senders List to receive our important emails in your inbox.
See you online on March 31st!

More than just a shirt...

2010-03-18T09:50:00.001-04:00

Miami University is home to EDUN Live on Campus, which is the first student-run business that enables campus organizations to customize ethically-produced T-shirts in the entire country! What is it? It is a social conscious, student-run, apparel business, with the mission to assist with employment opportunities in Africa. These shirts are 100% African made which includes the growing of the cotton, to the manufacturing of the fabric, to the fabrication of the t-shirt.

EDUN Live on Campus has reached a milestone with sales of 25,000 shirts in just a little more than three years! An even bigger accomplishment is that 100+ jobs that have been created in sub-Sahara Africa as a result of this business.

If you are interested in more information about Miami’s chapter or want to learn how to get involved with this organization, please check out the following link:

http://www.fsb.muohio.edu/centers/social-entrepreneurship/edun-live-u

Pssssst… admission decisions posted early!

2010-03-12T14:51:00.001-05:00

Attention all admission candidates! Miami will be posting final admission decisions on your appcheck website (www.muohio.edu/appcheck) at 6pm EST on Sunday, March 14th! That’s six hours earlier than our advertised notification time! If you’re having trouble finding your username and password, check the email address that you listed on your application for admission. Miami emailed you on March 5th with your login information. Can’t find it? Check your spam filter! You will also receive paper notification in the mail early next week.

Miami thanks you for reading our admission blog, and don’t forget to log in at 6pm on Sunday!

Interested in a studying Business?

2010-03-11T08:52:00.001-05:00

You’re looking at the right place. Miami University’s Farmer School of Business consistently ranks among the top undergraduate and graduate business schools in the nation. Last year, our undergraduate program ranked 18th nationally, and this year, according to Business Week the program moved up to 16th overall. Business Week also placed us 6th for public schools and we have the top ranking in Ohio. In addition, last fall the Wall Street Journal ranked our executive MBA program 8th in the world and 3rd nationally! Miami’s Farmer School of Business University offers 8 undergraduate majors: accountancy, business economics, finance, interdisciplinary business management, management information systems, management & organizations, marketing, and supply chain & operations management, and numerous minors. The Farmer School of Business is known for its outstanding academics, a focus on undergraduate teaching, study abroad programs, and placement rates for internships and jobs. The class of 2008 reported 82% of graduates are now employed fulltime, and 12% are enrolled in graduate school. The Farmer School of Business also opened a new building fall 2009 bringing the latest technology into the classroom. We encourage all prospective business students to look into the programs and make arrangements to meet with an adviser and check out the brand new facility.
http://www.fsb.muohio.edu/

Class Schedule for Senior Year

2010-03-09T11:16:00.002-05:00

Juniors- it is now time to plan your senior high school schedule. Keep your focus on selecting challenging classes. Don’t be afraid to schedule Advanced Placement or AP classes if they are offered or add an extra year of a foreign language. Miami will use your GPA for the first 6 semesters or through the end of your junior year for application and scholarship consideration. A full senior schedule which includes AP or honors classes courses will better prepare you for college and indicate that you are not afraid of challenging classes.
For a list of AP classes and scores needed to receive college credit here at Miami see:
http://www.miami.muohio.edu/admission/ap_ib.cfm
If you have questions check with your admission counselor we would love to help!http://www.muohio.edu/askacounselor

STAY-cation!

2010-03-04T14:52:00.000-05:00

While many Miami students pack up their belongings to head south for next week’s spring break, others choose to spend their vacations in a familiar place: southwest Ohio. Students from our Hamilton campus will participate in both service and research as they work with impoverished communities in the area. The eleven participants will engage in a poverty simulation to begin this week-long project. These students will work with local homeless shelters, nonprofit agencies, faith-based organizations and businesses to learn about the impact of joblessness and poverty in the area throughout the week. Seven of the participants will also be presenting at IMPACT, a national conference on advocacy, social justice and service March 19-21 in Little Rock, AR. This presentation will relate to their experience with STAY-cation, and explore poverty and joblessness’ impact on local communities.

Many other Miami students will participate in alternative spring break trips next week, including studying eco-tourism and participating in service learning in Dominica; service learning in Tijuana; and volunteering with Ambassadors for Children in Jamaica and Columbia. Whenever your spring break rolls around, consider participating in a service project like many Miami students choose to do!

Do you know what you want to major in?

2010-03-01T11:02:00.001-05:00

If not, no worries. Every year at Miami University students are able to attend something called an “Exploring Majors Fair” which is designed for students who are undecided or still exploring a choice of major.

The reason for this fair is to provide students the opportunity to learn about the 100+ majors Miami has to offer and to allow them to investigate a variety of curricular and career options all in one place. Not only is this fair staffed by each academic department, but the Office of Career Services, the Career Exploration and Testing Center, and the Office of International Programs will also be in attendance.

The setting is very informal and students are encouraged to come and go at any time while the fair is going on.

For more information on additional career services at Miami, please visit http://www.units.muohio.edu/careers/.

Miami Peace Corps Record

2010-02-25T16:41:00.002-05:00

What are Miami students doing after they graduate? Alumni report doing a variety of things after their time at Miami, including 43 students now working for the Peace Corps! This number places Miami 4th on the top 25 list for amount of students serving from medium-sized colleges and universities. In 2009, Miami placed 7th, and our increase in student volunteerism within the program has upped our ranking! If you’re not familiar with the Peace Corps, it is a nonprofit volunteer organization that hires young adults to live in various parts of the world to promote international development related to education, agriculture, environment, or business, just to name a few.

The Peace Corps volunteer population is quickly growing, and in the past 48 years, 825 Miami alumni have participated in the program. Miami is holding a Spring Career Fair on February 16 to showcase opportunities for Miamians after graduation. The Peace Corps will be present to recruit even more volunteers at 6:00pm on February 17. This is just one of many organizations invited to participate in the Spring Career Fair, where students can see the myriad of possibilies for life after Miami!

Mobile unit is hitting the streets soon!

2010-02-23T10:07:00.004-05:00

Miami University will be welcoming a Mobile Health Initiative this week to Oxford. The unit is a prototype for student health promotion on college and university campuses around the nation. The mobile unit is a student-run, student-focused project that is designed to help college kids become more aware of their own health, and health issues in general. The unit will also utilize “hands-on” and interactive experiences to help students understand health and wellness issues. The unit is funded by The Ford Foundation, along with a partnership with Armor Mobile Systems, to improve the health of students throughout college campuses. For more information, contact Reginald Fennell at 513-529-3226 or fennelr@muohio.edu.

Are you an accepted student?

If so, CONGRATULATIONS!!

Would you like to chat with current Miami University students, faculty, and staff? This opportunity is available for you tomorrow, Wednesday, February 24th. We will be participating in an online chat most of the day for accepted students. For more information please check your e-mail since we sent you important log-in information on how to find us online. Meanwhile, if you have any questions/concerns, feel free to leave us a message on the blog!

Hey Juniors!

2010-02-18T11:23:00.001-05:00

It’s never too early to start your college search! This year, Miami is sending current students back to their high schools during spring break to talk to you about their Miami experience and why you may want to become a RedHawk, too! Look for Miami students in high schools across the United States, including: Reno, NV, Naperville, IL; Cleveland, OH and many more!

Miami’s not coming to your high school? We may be in your area soon! Miami will be represented at national college fairs across the United States throughout the spring. Find us in Louisville (2/27), Detroit (4/15), San Francisco (4/17), Nashville (4/25), Boston (4/27), New Jersey (4/28), and Cleveland (5/2). If you can, we encourage you to come to campus for the best view of your future college experience. You can find all of the information about setting up your visit to Miami at www.muohio.edu/visit.

Time to Plan a visit to Miami!

2010-02-14T16:14:00.002-05:00

Time to Plan a visit to Miami!
College search often begins with a visit to the campus. I invite you to schedule the visit that is best for you and to take time to really get a feel for student life. Visit Oxford to see why Miami students thrive in this great college town setting.
Schedule a campus tour and learn more about Miami. Our tour guides will share their experiences while you get a taste for student live on campus. If you have time to attend a class you may contact the faculty directly using our open class list http://www.miami.muohio.edu/admission/visit/pdfs/Class_Visits_Spring_10.pdf
Meet with our faculty who share your passion for a specific area of study to learn more about programs and research opportunities available to undergraduate students. Send your request to meet with faculty to facultyappt@muohio.edu.
Schedule a campus tour at www.muohio.edu/visit to see all your options.
Accepted students are invited to attend a full day special event. Look in your acceptance packet for details about how to register online to attend events.
We look forward to seeing you on a campus visit at Miami University!

Miami Makes Guinness World Record

2010-02-09T09:54:00.006-05:00

What is it about Miami students that creates life-long relationships? More than 14% of Miami alumni have married another graduate of Miami. Dubbed “Miami Mergers,” these love birds tally up to a grand total of 26,472 scattered across the globe. This number is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in the country. Valentine’s Day is approaching, and Miami is preparing to send out Happy Valentine’s Day cards to all Mergers, a tradition that began in 1973.

On February 2, Miami was pleased to receive word from Guinness World Records that we officially broke the world record for the most couples renewing their wedding vows at once. Last June, 1,087 couples returned to Miami last summer for alumni weekend to renew their vows. Robert Frame (1938 graduate) and June Frame (1939 graduate) were there and were recognized as the oldest known Miami Merger. Special thanks to the Miami University Alumni Association for organizing such a successful event. We even have three Mergers working here in the Office of Admission. Shout out to Carol Richmond, Ann Larson, & Ann Bader! Traditions live long at Miami!

There's still time!

2010-02-04T13:06:00.004-05:00

We have extended our application deadline to Monday, February 8th! The best part? If you are admitted, you will automatically be considered for merit scholarships. Check out our new merit scholarships for next year. If you want to be eligible for need-based aid, fill out the FAFSA by February 15th. You will receive a financial assistance package at the end of March! Start your application today!

For those of you who applied Early Action, we have received reports that the acceptance packet delivery has been delayed in certain areas. All packets were mailed Friday morning, January 29, 2010. We are investigating the situation with the post office in Oxford, Ohio, as well as the central post office in Cincinnati. We apologize for the delay. Students can check their admission status online. (If you do not remember your login information, please contact your Miami Admission Counselor.)

What's Next?

2010-02-01T10:22:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday!

It is a very exciting time currently in the Office of Admission! All of our Early Action applicants have received a decision regarding their admission application.

We are excited as well to invite all accepted students to our Make it Miami! accepted student events. There, they will get a chance to eat in a dining hall, meet faculty from a variation of departments, explore our campus, attend a class, and to learn more about how to become an active Miamian.

Through our website www.muohio.edu/accepted , accepted students are able to enroll for Make it Miami!, confirm their enrollment, select a meal plan and Living Learning Community, submit additional paperwork, take placement exams, sign up for orientation and find additional information on how to get involved.

We look forward to having members of the Class of 2014 on our campus soon for our first Make it Miami! event this Friday!

Apply by February 1st

2010-01-25T17:36:00.003-05:00

Still time to Apply!
Are you a senior in high school? Miami would love to have your application for fall 2010 and you still have time! Submit your application by February 1st and you will be considered for admission for Fall 2010 and eligible for merit scholarships. All applicants are considered for a Financial Aid package when you file the FAFSA by February 15.

You still have time to apply to the Miami University Honors program! If you have already applied or are a new applicant, you may apply for our amazing Honors program as well by February 1st.. Check out the Honors website listed below to learn more about all the wonderful opportunities available in the Miami Honors Program.

· Apply to Miami online at www.muohio.edu/apply
· Free Application for Federal Student Aid available online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
· Apply for Honors Program at https://survey.muohio.edu/Checkbox/HonorsApplication.aspx

What is Miami Doing?

2010-01-21T11:17:00.002-05:00

Last week, Haiti was rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, affecting over 3 million people and devastating the poverty-stricken country. Organizations across the world have reached out to help this country with monetary donations. One of the great benefits of being part of a college community is the depth of opportunity to which you are able to get involved in relief efforts such as this one. Many students have used their connections within student organizations and leadership positions to assist in these efforts. Miami students started a Facebook group: “Miami University Haiti Relief Efforts” to share their plans and implementation strategies.

Miami has partnered with the World Food Programme (WFP) to send monetary donations to directly distribute food and water to Haiti. Currently, food and water donations cannot be accepted due to logistical complications from the quake. WFP is one of the only organizations who was previously equipped in Port-Au-Prince to distribute food and water supplies, and Miami’s Office of Community Engagement and Service strongly suggests monetary donations to organizations like WFP and the American Red Cross. To donate now, visit https://donate.wfp.org/supporter/donatenow.do?n=gbss&dfdbid=1115409 and choose “Miami (OH)” from the pulldown menu.

Share Your Miami Experience

2010-01-14T13:55:00.002-05:00

As you may know, Miami has over 300 student organizations available for students. Two of these organizations work closely with the Office of Admission and share with prospective students their reasons for choosing Miami University. Every spring, we encourage current students to apply to be campus tour guides, who are trained to answer frequently asked questions about the university and share their experiences while conducting tours of campus. These students of course, must brave chilly weather, hot summer days, and the occasional rainfall.

Another organization to look into is called Miami University Student Ambassadors (MUSA). MUSA is a volunteer organization that meets biweekly, gets involved in fund-raiser events, and social events for fun. One of the duties of MUSA is to greet families who are checking in for campus tours and get to talk with them before the campus information session begins. These students also reply to emails, make phone calls to prospective students, and hosts receptions on campus for visitors. If you have any questions for current students, feel free to contact a MUSA member at miami100@muohio.edu.

Both organizations are an excellent way to get to know Miami students and help out students just like yourselves who are searching for the best college. Good luck college shopping!

Junior Scholars

2010-01-12T09:53:00.002-05:00

Junior Scholars June 27-August 6, 2010
Spring for high school juniors brings thoughts of college visits and senior schedules. Miami offers a wonderful summer opportunity for juniors to experience college before their senior year called Junior Scholars. With this program you earn college credit which will transfer to any college in the USA and you will be guaranteed admission to Miami! High school students stay in the residence halls and take regular Miami University courses with college students. Students earn college credit while enjoying a fun schedule of social and recreational activities with some of the top high school students from around the world.
Apply by May 1st for USA students and by April 1st for International students
For more information click here for the full brochure: http://www.units.muohio.edu/jrscholars/brochure1.htm

Miami named a Kiplinger "Best Value"

2010-01-07T14:39:00.002-05:00

Once again, Miami is included as one of the "100 Best Values in Public Colleges" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. The February 2010 issue ranks Miami as 62nd among in-state best values nationwide and 70th for out-of-state public university value. The magazine ranks schools combining outstanding education with economic value, using data such as tuition, average debt after graduation, student/faculty ratio and admission rates. Choosing Miami for your education not only provides four years of great learning opportunities, but also lifelong success. When it comes to investing in your future, Miami has again proven a great bang for the buck!

When it comes to making decisions about where to attend college, it is important to consider these characteristics, but also to ensure that the college that you choose is the right fit for you. Remember, colleges are not one-size-fits-all! The best way to figure out your fit is to visit campuses. Campus visits are not just about the tour! You can sit in on a class, tour specific academic departments, meet with faculty members, and even mingle with current students. You can sign up for any of these opportunities at www.muohio.edu/visit.

Good luck with your upcoming semester!

Happy New Year from Miami!

2010-01-01T16:54:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year from Miami University! It’s that time of year when people reflect on the previous year and wait in anticipation of what’s to come. 2009 was especially exciting for Miami as we celebrated our 200th birthday last February. We also saw our Bicentennial Class of 2009 graduate last spring! Several months later, we welcomed 3,327 first year students for the class of 2013, all eager to begin their time at Miami. The university has some important dates to take note of coming up in 2010. Spring orientation will be going on January 7 & 8 for those students beginning their first year or for those who have transferred to Miami. Early Action applicants will receive their application decision notification on February 1, and those applying regular decision have a submission deadline of February 1 with their notification date on March 15. Also, beginning in February, be sure to look into accepted students open house events called “Make it Miami,” which are occurring throughout the spring. These daylong events are designed to help undecided students explore all the great ways Miami University can make a great college experience. Information for these and all other accepted student details will be found on our accepted student web site: http://www.miami.muohio.edu/admission/acceptedstudents/

We wish you a great New Year’s Day, and make 2010 very memorable!

Congrats to the newest members of the Miami family!

2009-12-23T09:51:00.002-05:00

Happy Holidays!

Greetings from snowy Oxford, OH! The Office of Admission would like to officially congratulate the first members of Miami’s Class of 2014, our Early Decision admitted students! We can’t wait to see you on campus in the fall. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season, and good luck in your final semester of high school!

For those of you who may be wondering about your Honors application (if you submitted it before November 3rd), you will be receiving notification in the mail within the next few days. If you have any questions regarding your Honors application, please feel free to contact the Honors Program at honors@muohio.edu.

For all you Early Action candidates out there, know that we are working hard to review your application! We will distribute a decision for you on February 1st. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact your counselor at www.muohio.edu/askacounselor.

Remember, it’s not too late to apply for admission! Our final deadline for first year applications is February 1st. To find out more or to apply online, visit www.muohio.edu/apply.

Beyond the Classroom

2009-12-21T15:28:00.005-05:00

One of the many things Miami provides its students are many great learning opportunities beyond the classroom. We really want students to graduate having participated in wonderful creative projects, perhaps an internship while at Miami, or as I blogged before, an opportunity to study abroad. Every year, Miami students from different majors are able to enhance their college years by adding extracurricular exploration and research opportunities to their course work.

There is an entire part of our Miami website dedicated to students who have done just that. To check out their individual stories, feel free to visit:

http://www.miami.muohio.edu/academics/beyondclass/index.cfm.

Admission Information
Our final deadline to apply is February 1.
Honor’s final deadline to apply is February 1.

For any admission related questions, feel free get more information about your admission counselor at www.muohio.edu/askacouselor.

Finals week...almost over!

2009-12-18T10:53:00.003-05:00

Miami students are either home, on their way home, or cramming for that last final. You guessed it—today is the last day of finals! Campus will be quiet for the next three weeks as students scatter across the globe during winter break. Before students are dismissed, all are required to prepare for finals or in some cases, a final paper or project. The Rinella Learning Center is a great resource on campus to help students prepare for finals. Picture what our libraries look like during this week. You can imagine they are full of students getting work done, so sometimes space seems limited. The Rinella Learning Center welcomes students to study in new locations around campus, and they even give out snacks for those having the munchies. The weekend before finals, Rinella also hosts a tutoring blitz, where students can meet with their peers to get a little extra help with a specific subject. Walking and driving around campus these next three weeks will be different, but we are excited for Miamians to return soon. Many of you high school students have finals this week or are preparing for finals once you return from winter break, and for you seniors, we wish you the best last winter break of high school!

Some Miami students are also preparing for fall commencement today, and we congratulate all those graduating with the class of 2009!

2009-12-14T17:01:00.004-05:00

REACH OUT WITH A RED MITTEN!

Miami Students make a difference in the lives of local families with many different volunteer activities and the Red Mitten Campaign is a great example. The Farmer School of Business’ Buck Rodgers Business Leadership Program organizes and staffs this wonderful community service project annually, connecting Miami students, faculty and staff who all join together to help local families with needs in December.
The volunteer picks a Mitten and returns with the item and attaches the mitten so the gifts can be delivered. This is just one of many examples of the Miami campus/Oxford community connection that makes the Miami experience in a small College Town so fantastic.
Miami graduates continue after graduation to be leaders in volunteer activities such as Peace Corps where Miami ranks 7th in the number of Alumni volunteers for medium sized Colleges and Universities for the 2008 report. Many current Miami students participate in alternative spring break options with Habitat for Humanity and international volunteer destinations enriching both their lives and the lives of those they help in our global community.
Still time to Apply to Miami for fall 2010. Regular Decision deadline is February 1st on line at: www.muohio.edu/apply

Miami University=A Global Education

2009-12-08T11:26:00.009-05:00

Pictured on the left are Miami Students Help Each other Cross One of the 365 Rivers on the Nature Island of Dominica. Picture was provided by Thomas Klak

Part of a well rounded education

includes the opportunity for students to study abroad. This is actually the one thing I wish I would have done during my undergraduate years. According to the Open Doors 2009 report by the Institute of International education, Miami University ranked 23^rd nationally among comparable universities in student’s participating in a study abroad experience.

Pictured below

are a group of Miami students visiting the Silk Road who are preparing for a camel ride

In 2007-2008, Miami had 1,439 undergraduate students studying abroad. Students at Miami are really able to choose their own study abroad experience by visiting the Office of International Education, there students are asked about the type of experience they are looking for. For example: Do you want to be immersed in a specific culture? Do you want to learn a foreign language? Do you want to retrace family roots? Do you wish to have an international work experience or do you just want to achieve credits towards graduation?

Picture on the left was taken on Interlaken, Switzerland and was provided by Michelle Jones

In addition if the student’s preference of a study abroad experience is dependent on where they are going to live, the Office of International Education can help as well to find a great option for them, such as staying with a host family, living in a dormitory among other students from that university, or an apartment of their own.

No matter what type of study abroad experience you may be looking for, we will always try to find the best option for you, as a student. Feel free to visit http://www.units.muohio.edu/internationalprograms/studyabroadinfo.php for additional information on Study Abroad FAQ’s.

REMINDER TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:
We have one more application deadline coming up on February 1^st (Regular Decision) for information on how to apply, please visit www.muohio.edu/apply.

There is also one last deadline for Honors, (Honors III) on February 1^st as well. For more information and the honors application, please visit http://www.honors.muohio.edu/.

Early Action Applicants- Don't Worry!

2009-12-03T15:30:00.001-05:00

Hey seniors! Did you apply to Miami for our Early Action (December 1) deadline? If you, like most Early Action applicants, sent in your application and received instructions on how to check your “app check” website (www.muohio.edu/appcheck), you may notice that you have some information missing from your application. Here in the Office of Admission, we are running about two to three weeks behind in the processing of the high school information, which includes your transcript, secondary school report, and any additional letters of recommendation you might have sent. If you are experiencing this discrepancy, please don’t worry! Since it is our delay, we will still review your application for Early Action and notify you of our decision on February 1!

If you applied for our Early Action deadline and have not received an email with instructions on how to open your app check website, please check your email’s spam filter! Many times, Miami’s emails are filtered into your spam box. Add admission@muohio.edu to your contact list to ensure that you receive our emails.

If you still can’t find email instructions on how to get to your app check website, you can contact your counselor at www.muohio.edu/askacounselor.

There's still time!

2009-12-03T10:25:00.005-05:00

As many of you are preparing for the holidays by stopping by the mall after school, you also may be shopping for colleges as well. We want to encourage students to come to Miami for a visit to learn more about our academics, professors, see our beautiful campus, and explore an overall college experience that is second to none. The semester is quickly coming to a close, but there’s still time to schedule a campus information session and tour before you begin your winter break from school. Visit our website to browse our availability before finals week. We still have 10:00am sessions December 7-11, and we will resume our visit opportunities January 11 when our student tour guides return from winter break. Safe travels!

In the midst of application time…

2009-11-23T16:28:00.002-05:00

Hello all!

For us as Admission Counselors it is that wonderful time of the year, not only are the holidays upon us but we get to read each and every one of your admission applications to the university.

Each application is unique and we review all aspects. Our application review is holistic, which means that every part of it plays an important role. From the common application, to the outstanding and creative essays you all spend time writing, everything is read. I get many questions from students asking me if we really take the time to read their essay. I always make sure and let them know that it plays an extremely important part, especially since we do not do interviews. It helps paint a picture or gives us a deeper insight on who you are.

We have two application deadlines coming up, the next being our Early Action deadline on December 1 and our final application deadline on February 1. If you are interested in applying to our honors program, their deadlines coincide with ours so; they too have a December 1 and February 1 deadline.

Feel free to let us know if any questions come up and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Diana

After Dark: something else to do on the weekend

2009-11-19T08:35:00.004-05:00

Prospective students often want to know what’s going on during free time aside from studying and writing papers. Throughout the school year, a student-run organization called After Dark hosts free events welcome to the whole student body. The first major kick-off event occurs before classes begin with a “party on the patio” behind our student union. All first year students are encouraged to enjoy music, food, and entertainment while getting to meet new friends. Miamians are also invited to recent movie showings throughout the year in our student union, and popcorn is free! When it’s nice outside, sometimes they’ll have movie showings on a large projector screen outside on our main quad. Some other events include a guest magician, an arcade night, and ice skating. We once invited casino card dealers to show off what they were made of to anyone who dared playing them on our casino night (don’t worry, no real gambling occurred).

You might even be interested in joining the After Dark crew. This is only one of over 300 student organizations on campus, and there are also leadership opportunities in After Dark. If you want more information on upcoming activities or how to get involved, visit the After Dark website. Have fun!

Post Secondary Option Question

2009-11-16T18:27:00.004-05:00

During the information session this past Saturday, the question was asked by a senior in high school about which application will students use if they already have college credits as a part of the post secondary high school option? The student wanted to transfer their college credits to Miami and were very surprised that they would need to apply using the First Year Application.

High school students who are participating in their school's Post Secondary option will still apply as a first year student because they have not yet graduated from high school. To receive credit at Miami for your college work, you would request a transcript from the college you are attending as a post secondary student, to be sent to Miami for credit evaluation when you complete your final semester.

For more information about first year application deadlines please visit our website at www.muohio.edu/admission.

If you are interested in earning college credit as a post secondary option and live close to Miami University in Oxford or our regional campuses please visit our web site at www.units.muohio.edu/lifelonglearning/pseop/

2009-11-12T15:11:00.004-05:00

The Miami University RedHawks swept the University of Michigan at their home hockey arena this past weekend. The University of Michigan’s Yost Arena has proven a difficult venue, as Miami is the first team to sweep the Wolverines at home since 1991. With this series of wins, Miami maintains its standing as #1 in the NCAA Division I rankings. Miami outplayed the U of M, winning 3-1 Friday night and 5-1 on Saturday night. The team is looking ahead to a weekend of matches against Ferris State, with the Miami home-arena advantage on their side! Miami students can look forward to an exciting hockey season, and maintain the tradition of packing the house at the Goggin Ice Center! Any Miami student can attend hockey games, along with all of our Division I sporting events, free of charge.

Selecting Essay topics.

2009-11-09T16:35:00.002-05:00

If you are struggling with starting either the “Short Answer” or the” Personal Essay” section of the Common Application I would suggest for you look for inspiration from your activities that were part of your life in the last four years. A great essay comes from a topic you feel passionate about. You can typically tell what is most important to you by your activities. Your essay could be about your education, sport, community involvement, volunteer work or part time job. You have prioritized your time and sacrificed for your activities. You could speak about how this has changed you as a person or even defined your future path. Let your passion and future plans help to drive your essay. We look forward to reading your application!

Do you want to find out your admission decision earlier?

Apply under Early Action! Afraid of the word "Early"? Don't be! Early Action is the same as Regular Decision—no strings attached, no binding agreements—you just get your decision earlier!

College Week Live

2009-11-05T10:43:00.002-05:00

Did you know there’s a college fair going on at home? You can sign up for a virtual college fair called College Week Live at www.collegeweeklive.com where you can speak with admission counselors and current Miami students to discuss anything you’re curious about. Be sure to stop by during these times:

November 5: 3pm-10pm
November 6: 3pm-6pm
November 7: 3pm-6pm

Trick or Treat!

2009-10-29T14:13:00.001-04:00

Miami University students opened their residence hall doors to some future college students! Oxford-area families were invited by Miami’s Residence Hall Association to participate in “Safe Trick-or-Treat” on Sunday. Not only did these children get an extra day of Halloween dress-up and candy, but Miami students decorated their Residence Halls in full-out Halloween spirit for the event!

Check soon for pictures, courtesy of Admissions staffer Derrick Moore!

Homecoming is coming

2009-10-22T21:07:00.011-04:00

Although you are still college searching, it’s sometimes interesting to hear what graduates are doing after their time at Miami. Do they come back to visit? Of course! This week is the kick-off of a very exciting weekend on campus—Homecoming. Alumni from all over the world will be traveling back to the red brick roads of Oxford to reminisce with friends both old and new. Tonight, the Alumni Association is hosting an awards dinner at our student union where seven scholarships will be awarded to notable candidates. Miami students also take part in a tradition of a house, residence hall, or fraternity house decorating contest to win an award for the most outrageous Miami display.

Tomorrow, if you hear fanfare, it might be our parade marching throughout Miami’s campus ending at a pep rally and Barbeque! Once everyone’s fed, the celebrations continue with tailgating before the RedHawks take on Northern Illinois for our eighth football game of the season. The game day continues when we face the Michigan State Spartans on the ice. Alumni will enjoy a visit to our new ice arena, where our nationally-ranked hockey team will be awaiting another victory. To wrap up a memorable weekend, our conference center is having a send off brunch. As you can see, our students are engaged and love coming back to their home away from home. Love and Honor to Miami!

Miami’s Outstanding Programs

2009-10-15T16:14:00.001-04:00

When you are doing your college search, you may have a particular program of interest in mind that helps you guide your selection process. If you are looking for a specific program of study, know that Miami offers specialized schools in business, education, engineering, and fine arts. Here’s a small taste of national recognition that have been attained by these schools:

Farmer School of Business
Miami's Farmer School of Business ranks among the nation's top five percent (sixth among public universities) in BusinessWeek magazine’s 2009 rankings of undergraduate business programs.
Survey results released by Entrepreneur magazine and The Princeton Review show the Miami University Institute for Entrepreneurship ranks 15th among the nation's undergraduate entrepreneurship programs.
Miami’s 14-month MBA program was recently ranked ninth in the world by Wall Street Journal, and came in third for accelerated MBA’s in the United States.

School of Education, Health, and Society
Miami’s National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation is renewed every six years, and an NCATE team of experts visited campus this spring. While the final report is not due until fall, the preliminary report was unprecedented. Not one single area of improvement was noted, a first for Miami and Ohio. The NCATE team leader, who has led reviews for years, said she’s never seen anything like it in her entire career.

School of Engineering and Applied Science
In the 2010 edition of America's Best Colleges, U.S. News ranks Miami's engineering program 26th in the nation in the category of "Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs where the highest degree is a bachelor's or master's."

School of Fine Arts
Miami's Interior Design program is ranked ninth in the nation, according to the 2009 edition of "America's Best Architecture & Design Schools" published by DesignIntelligence magazine. This annual report is considered the definitive school ranking as determined by design firms that hire recent college graduates.

Don’t Know Yet?
That’s fine! Miami doesn’t expect you to know for sure right now. In fact, most of our programs are designed to give you space and time to decide which program you want to enter while you are a first year student. As a result, the School of Fine Arts is the only school that admits students directly from high school. To apply for these programs, please review the requirements at www.arts.muohio.edu. Miami’s other schools listed have pre-major requirements, to allow students to solidify their interest and give time to explore other options as well. No matter where you end up, Miami’s commitment to your learning is also nationally recognized, as we ranked 8th in the nation in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Undergraduate Teaching” category.
If you have questions about one of Miami’s specific programs, do not hesitate to ask your counselor! Find yours at www.muohio.edu/askacounselor.

Miami may be in your area

2009-10-13T21:19:00.003-04:00

Fall is a busy and exciting time around the Office of Admission because we welcome many visitors to campus and are also traveling to visit you. Each admission counselor serves as a representative for a specific area. Go to muohio.edu/askacounselor to find out who your contact person is. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us about any questions you have during your search for the right college for you.

October is especially busy for travel as many of us are traveling to high schools, college fairs, evening receptions, and guidance counselor breakfasts. We keep in touch with prospective students by emailing them ahead of time when we’re about to pay a visit to your area. We hope you’re all learning a lot about what Miami has to offer as we’re traveling and spreading the good news of Miami.

Want to get to Miami in January?

2009-09-30T21:40:00.000-04:00

Our deadline for transferring to Miami for the upcoming Spring semester is rapidly approaching! For those of you who are interesting in coming to Miami in January, your deadline to apply is November 1st. This deadline applies to both transfer students (those of you who have taken college classes after high school graduation), and first year students (who have not taken any college level courses after high school graduation). This deadline is a little bit different than our deadlines for first-year admission because it is “rolling.” Rolling admission means that the sooner you apply, the quicker you will hear from Miami about your decision! You can apply by visiting www.muohio.edu/apply. Again, the sooner you submit your application, the sooner we will get back to you, so start your application today!

A major decision...

2009-09-29T15:27:00.000-04:00

As an Admission Counselor many questions from students that we get are not only about the application process but are also regarding a particular major. We are happy to let our students know that they are able to find a list of our 100+ majors online at www.muohio.edu/majors. This website will bring up options for you to select a major of interest alphabetically or by a certain subject area.

Even if you are still in the beginning stages of exploring a major, this link serves as a wonderful resource. Some of the things included for every major are: what this major is, information on additional admission requirements (if applicable), what types of classes you will take within this major, what you can do with this major post graduation and additional contact information.

Not every major will have information on additional admission requirements because most of the majors at Miami you are automatically accepted in if you are accepted into the university. On the additional contact information on the website, you will find information on not only for the office of admission, but also information on a faculty or an academic advisor from that department you can contact as well as the website for that particular major. The great thing about all of our majors is that every major will have its own website for you to explore.

In addition, when you are applying to Miami, do not feel like you have to write something down. Many of our students begin undecided and declaring a major on your application has no bearing on our admission decision.

I hope this helps during your exploration of majors and feel free to let me know if additional questions arise!

Want to run your own company?

2009-09-24T11:49:00.005-04:00

Here at Miami we have a program to get you started. Not only does Miami offer over 100 majors, there are also about 90 different minors students may add on top of their focus of study and our Entrepreneurship Minor is a very popular choice. It is an 18 semester hour minor that complements the business school, but is open to all students on campus. The program’s strength was recently recognized by Entrepreneur.com and ranked 15th overall.

Students who take the entrepreneurship minor learn about new venture start-up, corporate innovation, and small business growth. Objectives include using tools, frameworks, concepts, and perspectives that are helpful in recognizing how entrepreneurship works. Students with this minor better understand how attitudes and behaviors play roles in both personal and professional lives.

Currently, 381 students are studying in this minor and getting involved in our four entrepreneurship clubs, four mentorship programs, as well as taking classes from professors who are all entrepreneurs. To learn more about the program, contact The Page Center for Entrepreneurship at 513-529-1221.

Out of this World!

2009-09-17T14:28:00.003-04:00

The coveted Moonman: MTV’s version of the Grammy, was granted to a Miami University first year student and his band from Springfield, IL. This specific Moonman award, the “Best Performance in a Pepsi Rock Band Video,” is a new category created this year by Pepsi and Rock Band. A national call for bands to make a music video of themselves playing Rock Band resulted in over 650 submissions, and the top five videos were voted on by fans to determine a winner. This Miami student and his band, “Nerds in Disguise,” were featured on the MTV Video Music Awards this week and will appear in November’s issue of Spin Magazine.

Speaking of Moonmen, astronaut Al Worden, one of only 24 men who have been to the moon, will be on campus next week to present an award to yet another Miami University student. This student was recently awarded a $10,000 scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. This award is the biggest merit-based scholarship given to science and engineering undergraduate students. A merit-based award is one that is granted solely on the basis of academic achievement, whereas need-based aid is given to students based on financial need. Don’t worry, Miami distributes both through our Office of Student Financial Assistance (www.muohio.edu/sfa). Miami University is one of only 19 schools in the country who is eligible to nominate students for the Astronaut Scholarship, and only 17 scholarships are given to students nationwide. Miami University is proud that our students accomplish so much in undergraduate research that they are able to compete and win for these nationally recognized scholarships.

Thanks for reading!
Mandy

Freedom Summer

2009-09-14T16:12:00.007-04:00

One of the things Miami University is known for is our rich history dating back to our founding in 1809. An especially important part of Miami’s history includes the Freedom Summer project that took place in 1964 in conjunction with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and Council of Federated Organizations (COFO). This project was established in order to register African American voters in Mississippi.

These volunteers were trained for Freedom Summer at the Western College for Women (which is now part of Miami University) and then traveled to Mississippi in order to organize Freedom Schools and to register people who had been denied access to the democratic process.

At 12:30pm on Tuesdays and at 3 pm Fridays through October 16 there will be a “Walk With Me: Freedom Summer Interactive History Tours.” This will mark the 45th anniversary of Freedom Summer. The tours will start on Miami’s Western campus and it will draw upon the oral histories, letters and diaries of 1964 Freedom Summer student volunteers who trained to register voters and taught in Freedom Schools in Mississippi.

For more information, please feel free to visit the website at www.muohio.edu/freedomsummer2009.

Where's my guidance counselor?

2009-09-10T10:49:00.004-04:00

This week in Ohio, guidance counselors have been traveling to an annual program called Articulation, which was hosted by four universities across the state: Kenyon College, Ohio Northern University, University of Cincinnati, and University of Akron. Admission representatives have been meeting with your guidance counselors to give university updates and establish connections with high schools.

Next week may be a good time to meet with your guidance counselor to learn more about Miami since we were one of dozens of Ohio colleges and universities that attended all four Articulation locations. Some of our announcements were that:

-Miami received a record number of applications last year for first-year, transfer students, and international students
-Miami recently enrolled its most diverse class in history, 12% multi-cultural students
-93% of students submitted their applications electronically
-Miami has expanded its Bridges overnight multicultural program, which awards scholarships to participants if they choose Miami

Also, if you haven't made it to campus yet, be sure to schedule a visit soon since our schedule is filling up quickly! www.muohio.edu/visit

If you're interested in attending Bridges, an overnight hosting event for Ohio multi-cultural seniors, apply before September 18 at www.muohio.edu/bridges.