Visited June 2025

“The Hill,” home of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), a historically Black university (HBCU) , was established in 1876 as a land-grant university. PVAMU has a rich legacy of academic excellence and a vibrant campus culture. As the second oldest public institution of higher education in Texas, PVAMU has been a cornerstone of opportunity and achievement since 1876. 

Academics and Popular Majors
PVAMU offers a comprehensive range of programs across its many academic colleges, ensuring students can find a path that aligns with their career goals. The university’s academic colleges include:

• Marvin D. June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts & Sciences
• College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
• School of Architecture
• Roy G. Perry College of Engineering
• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Juvenile Justice
• College of Nursing
• School of Public and Allied Health

PVAMU is renowned for its strong programs in Engineering, Nursing, and Architecture, consistently ranking as a top producer of African American graduates in these fields. For students aspiring to careers in medicine, the Undergraduate Medical Academy (UMA) offers a unique and supportive environment to prepare for careers as physicians, dentists, veterinarians, and pharmacists.

Campus and New Developments
Located in Prairie View, Texas, the university’s main campus is known as “The Hill.” This sprawling 1,440-acre campus provides a scenic and inspiring backdrop for learning and growth. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, PVAMU benefits from the resources and prestige of a major university system while maintaining its unique identity and close-knit community feel. The university is a designated R2 institution, meaning it has “high research activity,” offering students numerous opportunities to engage in research.

Student Body
Prairie View A&M is home to a diverse and talented student body of over 9,000 students. The university prides itself on creating an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. The spirit of the Panther community is strong, with a focus on leadership, service, and academic achievement.

Activities on Campus
Life at PVAMU is full of energy and opportunity. With over 150 student organizations, there is something for everyone, from academic clubs and honor societies to Greek life and special interest groups. The “Marching Storm” band is a major source of campus pride, known for its electrifying performances at football games and national events. Athletics are a big part of the culture, with the Panthers competing in the NCAA Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).

Application Guidelines
Freshman Merit-Based Scholarships: PVAMU automatically considers all applicants for merit scholarships. No separate application is needed.

• Regents Merit Scholarship Award: Awards up to $10,000 per academic year plus a $600 semester allowance and an out-of-state tuition waiver. Requires a minimum 3.5 GPA and a 1260 SAT or 26 ACT.
• Presidential Scholarship Award: Awards $45,600 over four years ($5,700 per semester). Requires a minimum 3.25 GPA and a 1190 SAT or 24 ACT.

Transfer Admissions:

• Minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• At least 15 transferable hours.
• Official collegiate transcripts from all institutions attended.
• $40 application fee.

For a complete list of freshman application requirements and deadlines, visit the university’s admissions website.

Visited 13th June 2025

Located in the heart of Houston, Rice University is a top-tier institution known for its collaborative academic environment, groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus life. If Rice is on your college list, here’s some information from my visit in June 2025.  This will help you understand why it is unique and what you’ll need to prepare for your application.

Academics: Interdisciplinary and Flexible
Rice is strong in both STEM and the humanities, fostering an environment where interdisciplinary study is the norm, not the exception. Rice offers 50 undergraduate majors and a remarkable 40% of students pursue more than one major, with some even triple majoring. With 7 schools of study, including the prestigious Shepherd School of Music and the School of Architecture, students have immense flexibility. All Rice undergraduate degrees are built on a liberal arts foundation. Instead of a rigid core curriculum, Rice has distribution requirements, allowing students to explore their interests broadly. 

Most popular majors include Information Science, Economics, Biology, Psychology, and Mechanical Engineering. Rice is also known for Space Science. Exciting new programs are also on the horizon. Rice University will offer a Bachelor of Science in AI beginning the fall of 2025.

The Residential College System:
Rice does not have any sororities, fraternities, honors or athlete dorms on campus. A cornerstone of student life is the Residential College System. Far more than just dorms, the 11 residential colleges are tight-knit communities, each with their own unique culture and traditions. Students are randomly assigned to a college upon matriculation and remain a member for all four years, creating a strong sense of identity and lifelong friendships. While it’s recommended that students live on campus for the first year, many choose to stay longer. The campus is also growing, with a new residential college building, a new engineering building, and a new art building slated to open soon.

A Vibrant Student Experience
Life at Rice is a dynamic balance of rigorous academics and an active social scene. Rice has 14 NCAA Division I Athletics Teams. The university is NCAA Division I for sports like football and basketball, and students get free admission to all games. Recognizing the academic pressure, the university builds in “presidential study breaks” and even brings in therapy dogs to help students de-stress.

With over 300 student organizations, it’s easy to get involved. From art shows and concerts at Rice Radio to the friendly competition of clubs, there’s a strong sense of community. Well-loved traditions like Beer Bike, an annual relay race from the 1960s, and a massive water balloon fight, are highlights of the school year.

The Application Process:  Holistic Review
Rice University takes a holistic approach to admissions, students can apply through Common Application or Coalition Application with deadlines of Nov. 1 (Early Decision) / Jan. 4 (Regular Decision) Letters of Recommendation are Required: 1 from a Counselor, 2 from Teachers. Rice recommends submitting test scores. Interviews are Optional and evaluative, conducted by alumni or senior students

 

Admissions Insights:

• Early Decision (ED): Applying ED can be a significant advantage. About half of the freshman class is admitted through this binding process.
• Testing: While officially test-optional, Rice is a “test-recommended” school, meaning they highly encourage applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores.
• Student Profile: The freshman class is geographically diverse, with approx 35% of students from Texas and approx. 12% international.

Financial Aid:
Rice is committed to making its education affordable and is a loan-free institution. Through a generous financial aid program called The Rice Investment, the university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

• 20% of admitted students receive need-based aid, with $30,000 being the minimum aid package received.
• 57% of undergraduates receive some kind of aid
• Full tuition, fees, room, and board for students with family incomes below $75,000.
• Full tuition scholarships for students with family incomes between $75,000 and $140,000.

Career Outcomes
The Center for Career Development provides robust support for students seeking internships and jobs. Rice graduates are highly sought after by top employers, including NASA, Meta, Google, and consulting firms like Accenture, as well as local entrepreneurs. On-campus job opportunities are also plentiful at the call center, IT center, library, and research labs.

The Quintessential Rice Student
Rice students are often described as passionate, nerdy, quirky, and friendly. They are leaders, changemakers, and collaborators who contribute to a helpful and community-oriented campus culture.

Visited June 2025

Visited June 13, 2025

Visited 11 June, 2025

Visited 9th June 2025

As the #1 Public University in the State of Texas, the University of Texas at Austin stands as a powerhouse in higher education, known for its comprehensive academic offerings, exceptional opportunities, groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus life. For prospective students, UT offers a world of possibilities. 

What makes this university a top choice for students from across the globe and how selective is it.? Read my blog on UT Austin below to find out more.

Academics and Popular Majors
The academic breadth at UT Austin is staggering, with 15 colleges and schools offering over 170 fields of study and more than 12,400 courses. This immense selection ensures that students can pursue their passions.

UT Austin offers a remarkable number of nationally top-ranked programs. 

• #1 Programs: Accounting, Advertising, Architecture, and Interdisciplinary Applications of Mathematics-US News and World Report
• Top 5 Programs: Petroleum Engineering (#2), Public Film School (#2), Paleontology (#3), Geology (#2), and Interdisciplinary Science (#4 among public universities).
• Top 10 Programs: Business (#6), Education (#8), Computer Engineering (#8), Public Nursing School (#8), and Pharmacy (#6).

The prestigious Red McCombs School of Business is a highly sought-after program, but excellence abounds everywhere. UT Austin offers a wide range of choices, some majors are extremely competitive including Nursing, Business, Architecture, Engineering, and Computer Science.Transferring between majors is never guaranteed. The university has also recently added a new School of Public Policy.

A unique offering is the Plan II Honors Program, an interdisciplinary arts and sciences major that is highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum. The university also has a thriving Acting and Theater department, putting on 6-8 productions a year.

Campus and New Developments
UT Austin is a research powerhouse, with over $1 billion in research expenditure. This commitment to research and innovation provides students with unparalleled opportunities to strive and succeed. The Freshman Research Initiative, the largest undergraduate research program in the nation, allows first-year students to apply and get involved in real-world research projects right away.

The University offers study abroad programs in 73 different countries, including unique “Maymester” options and domestic programs like UT NYC and UT LA.

Student Body
UT Austin is committed to accessibility, with 56% of its students receiving some form of financial aid. This draws a talented and diverse student body that can call the “Forty Acres” home. The university’s size and prestige as a top public institution attract students creating a vibrant intellectual community of learners and future leaders.

Though UT campus is the center of student life, the student housing is privately owned. Students are advised to apply for on-campus housing as soon as they submit their university application to secure a spot. The city’s metro system, which is free for all UT students, makes mobility easy.

Activities on Campus
Life as a Longhorn is energetic. The university holds the title of the #1 Athletic Program in America, and game days electrifying. Students can purchase The Big Ticket, a season pass that grants access to all home games for every sport.

The Student Activities Center (WCP) is a central hub of activity, with three gyms, a rock-climbing wall, a golf simulator, and more. There are hundreds of student organizations, clubs, and events for every student, and students explore them with zest.

Application Guidelines
Here’s what you need to know.

Application Checklist (Required Materials): as of June 2025

• $75 Application Fee or Fee Waiver
• Admission Application (via Common App)
• ACT and/or SAT Scores
• Essay
• Two Short Answer Questions
• High School Transcripts
• College Transcripts (if applicable)
• Major-Specific Requirements

Optional Materials:

• Expanded Resume
• Letters of Recommendation (up to 2)

Key Dates for 2025:

• August 1: Application Opens
• October 15: Early Action Deadline
• December 1: Regular Deadline
• January 15: Early Action Decisions Released & FAFSA/TASFA State Priority Deadline
• February 15: All Decisions Released

After submitting your application, you can track its status and see a personalized checklist through your MyStatus portal.

A Note on Admissions: UT Austin’s admissions process is holistic. A key element is “fit to major.” It is crucial to demonstrate a genuine interest and aptitude for your chosen field, especially for competitive programs and out-of-state applicants. 

Visited 9th June 2025

Founded in 1874 and consistently named as the best value school, University of Nevada, Reno has been the state’s land-grant university making higher education accessible to all Nevada residents. The R1 institution boasts a record of 750+ National Merit, Presidential and Hispanic Scholars on campus.

WUE makes UNR affordable: As part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) UNR makes higher-ed affordable for students hailing from Western United States. Students are automatically evaluated for WUE if one of the 3 conditions are satisfied- 3.25 Cumulated Unweighted GPA OR 1160 SAT OR 24 ACT

Campus and New Developments
Since 2007, the university has invested nearly a billion dollars in construction on the campus, labs and facilities. The new Business building is coming up in Fall 2025. They recently acquired their Lake Tahoe campus located in Incline Village where study can go up to focus on a particular area of their discipline. The Reno campus is beautiful, open and walkable. Students do not need a car on campus. Students enjoy hiking, trails and the best the state can offer. The campus has research centers, labs to advance innovation.

Student Body
28% students come to the institution undecided, not knowing what they would like to study and avail of advising every semester. 51% of the incoming 2023 freshman were from diverse backgrounds.Student enrollment reached nearly 22,000 in the Fall of 2023.

Academics: UNR has 12 academic colleges and schools- Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Business, Education and Human Development, Engineering, Journalism, Liberal Arts, Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Science,Social Work and the Honors College. Popular Majors include Nursing, Public Health and Business.Many students double major. The College of Business is the largest college on campus , Public Health is another large college. Student Faculty ratio is 17: 1

Activities With 300 clubs and organizations on campus, students have lots to do outside of academics. There is Greek life on campus.

UNR has 2 amazing programs-Nevada Fit Program to get new students acclimatised to their majors, peers, the campus and surroundings is offered on campus and the Digital Wolf Pack Initiative through which all new students receive an ipad, keyboard and stylus.

(No. 1 in Social Mobility-U.S. News and World Report 2020-2022, 2024, 2025) During UCR Highlander Day on April 12th, I immersed myself in the UCR School of Business, a popular choice for many of my students. This impressive undergraduate program holds the No. 70 spot in U.S. News and World Report’s 2024 Best Undergraduate Business Programs, and recognized as the largest undergraduate business program within the entire UC system. Fun fact: UCR also boasts the largest land-mass campus among all the UCs!

Academics at the UCR School of Business
The UCR School of Business structures its four-year undergraduate program to provide a comprehensive learning experience to students.The first two years focus on pre-business fundamentals and cross-functional preparation,building a strong base for the upper-division coursework in the final two years.

Despite large lecture classes of 200+ students, a key highlight is that these are always taught by professors. Smaller discussion groups, typically 20-30 students, are led by Teacher Assistants, ensuring a more personalized experience. Students consistently feel supported, not just “a
number,” thanks to the faculty’s accessible and open-door policy.

Opportunities at the UCR School of Business
The business school boasts an impressive instructional faculty of over 70 professors and lecturers. Operating on a quarter system, known for its faster pace compared to a semester system, students are well-prepared for the demands of the professional world. For career development, students leverage Handshake for internships, and the school hosts two dedicated career fairs specifically for business students. The opportunities for engagement extend far beyond the classroom, with a vibrant array of student organizations including:

• Business Strategy Club (BSC)
• Women in Business
• Highlander Consulting Group
• Highlander Financial Group
• Highlander Business Society
• California Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
• Latino Business Student Association (LBSA)
• Undergraduate Business Association (UBA)
• Black Scholars in Business
• The Product Club

UCR School of Business Highlights
The UCR School of Business stands out due to several key distinctions:

• AACSB Accreditation: It holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious mark achieved by only 6% of business schools worldwide.
• Employer Preference: Notably, 20% of companies recruit exclusively from AACSB-accredited business schools.
• Career Advantage: Graduates from AACSB-accredited institutions consistently receive higher and more competitive salaries.

State-of-the-Art Learning Environment: The New Business Building
The recently opened new business building provides a cutting-edge learning environment. It features a 350-seat auditorium, two 80-seat classrooms equipped with advanced learning technologies, and multiple study lounges. Students also benefit from a dedicated finance computer lab and ample faculty offices. The building boasts a sustainable design, including a 15,000-square-foot solar canopy, underscoring UCR’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Concentrations Offered
The UCR School of Business offers a diverse range of seven concentrations, allowing students to specialize in their areas of interest:

• Accounting and Auditing
• Business Analytics
• Finance
• Information Systems
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations and Supply Chain Management

Top Employers– included Goldman Sachs, Google, Meta, Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, Amazon, Accenture, SEO, Pepsico, Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America and more.

Local opportunities to volunteer and share your skills abound. I encourage my students to explore local opportunities first to make a difference and serve the community where they live and thrive. Inika S., one of my students from the Class of 2024 participated in the City of Fremont’s boxArt program and got the opportunity to showcase her art on an electric cable box on the intersection of Fremont Blvd and Enea Ct. in Fremont, CA

The goal of Fremont’s boxArt program was to brighten the stark cable boxes and showcase work of local artists by providing them the opportunity to paint them all over the city at traffic intersections. Little did Inika know that she would be one of the artists who would be picked to paint one.

Driven by her love for art, Inika was inspired to take on this project, wanting to give back to her city and community. The theme was sustainability, and she had the vision of painting a sustainable earth. 

Inika says “My boxArt design was inspired by how each one of us has the power to build a more sustainable world by balancing the comfort of humanity and the consumption of natural resources, whether it’s moving to eco-friendly forms of transportation or reducing waste. No matter how small, we can all make a difference and take care of our lovely planet, as the Earth is in our hands. I showed this by painting two different hands holding the Earth, with solar panels and windmills as more sustainable energy sources. I drew animals and plants to display the positive biodiversity that comes with taking care of the planet. I used bright colors to bring a pop to the surrounding area.”

She says that while working on the project, she got a lot of support from her mom, friends, and store owners in the area who provided her cool drinks and snacks while she worked on her boxArt. The most rewarding part, she says, was giving back to her community, making the city a little prettier and bringing awareness to sustainability.

Photo Credits: Inika S.
boxArt location-intersection of Fremont Blvd and Enea Ct. in Fremont, CA