Jenifer's Archived Blogs

As an Admission Counselor at Mount Mary College, I will be blogging about pertinent college topics such as the application process, campus visits and the like. I am very excited to share information with you that will help you in your college search process. Feel free to email any questions or things you want to see blogged about to blogs@mtmary.edu.

Jenifer Wessels Admission Counselor (414) 256-1219 or (800) 321-6265 wesselsj@mtmary.edu Notre Dame Hall, Room 146

"Wisconsin Education Fair"
by Jenifer Wessels, August 11, 2010

I spent the majority of this past week up in De Pere, WI at St. Norbert College attending a conference organized by WACAC (Wisconsin Association of College Admission Counselors).  The New Counselor Institute, as I said in my blog last week, is a three day conference for counselors who are new to the profession.

We worked through multiple sessions on topics including handling the job travel, reading admission applications, and using social media for recruitment. It was great to meet and network with counselors from all across the state and learn some tips of the trade from veteran counselors as well. The entire experience definitely got us all excited to begin recruiting and seeing new prospective students at fairs this coming fall. 

For those of you looking for a great and easy opportunity to meet with admission staff from a lot of regional colleges and universities, I suggest attending a Wisconsin Education Fair (WEF) this coming fall. The fairs provide access to information regarding post-secondary education to students. They are held all over the state, so finding one in your area should be easy. Check out the WEF website for location information. Hope to see you at a Wisconsin Education Fair this fall!

“Right Fit” by Jenifer Wessels, August 3, 2010

Hard to believe, but in just over three weeks, orientation for the fall semester begins. It seems as though summer has come and gone so quickly, I have hardly managed to keep up. The remainder of this week myself and another Admission Counselor from our office we will attending the New Counselor Institute, a three-day conference for counselors who are new to the admission process in higher education. The program is designed to help new counselors network with other counselors and learn some helpful tips to guide them in their new career paths. Hopefully I will return with many insights to share!

I wanted to share with you an observation from a student’s visit I had earlier this week. My visitor was an incoming high school senior from Michigan. She and her family came to tour campus and actually met with the department chair of our Occupational Therapy program, Kari Inda. After discussing financial aid, scholarships, campus life and going in depth into the Occupational Therapy program, it seemed like we had covered everything. Then it was Kari, actually a Mount Mary alumna herself, who brought up the fact that at the end of the day (the student’s visit), the student needed to see if she could “see herself as a Mount Mary student”.

This comment brought me back to my own college search process. I remember people constantly telling me that most importantly you have to “picture yourself” as a student on that campus. Upon hearing that, I thought it sounded sort of cliché.

Now, I know I have told you certain things to take into consideration when trying to decide on a college from financial aid to academic programs to student life offerings. However, there really is something to be said about “that feeling” you get when you know you have chosen a college that is the right fit. Mount Mary’s size allows a sense of comfort and belonging you can’t match at all other schools. So incoming seniors, good luck with your search, hopefully you will find your right fit!

"Private College Week" by Jenifer Wessels, July 28, 2010

It seems that I am a little behind on the times, with being on vacation and such. I wanted to take the opportunity to share some photos from Private College Week, which was held just a few weeks ago. As I stated in my blogs leading up to the event, Private College Week is an event where all the private schools in Wisconsin, open their doors for students to visit and tour campus. We had a week of mock classes that students’ could participate in. Here are a few photos from the mock fashion class during the week’s events:

"Decisions, Decisions" by Jenifer Wessels, July 21, 2010

There are so many questions that you ask yourself when going through the college search process. Picking out the perfect college can be an exciting but stressful task. To help in your process, here are a few things to consider yourself when choosing a school that is right for you.

1. Do they offer the academic program(s) that are of interest to you? Do they have a strong academic reputation?
   
2. Does the school have a variety of internship opportunities?
   
3. What is the diversity like on campus?
   
4. How large/ small is the total school population and how large/small are the individual class sizes?
   
5. Are there academic support services available to me on campus (i.e. tutors, study groups)?
   Is the location appealing to me? Do I want to choose a school close or far away from home?
   
6. What schools are providing me with a strong financial aid package and have great scholarships available for me to apply to?
   

This is a brief overview of some of the questions students ask themselves when beginning their college search process. It’s important to make this decision for yourself and not choose a college based on where your friends are attending. Take the time to assess what you really need in a college and then take the opportunity to visit the campuses that are of interest to you. Good luck in your searches!

"Art-tastic" by Jenifer Wessels, July 7, 2010

The end of last week marked the completion of two of our summer camp programs. The Arts for Youth Summer Camp Program and the Fashion Boot Camp had wonderful displays set up on campus Friday afternoon, showcasing the culmination of their work. It is truly evident that these students learn a ton over the short time period of the camp.

Another counselor in our office and I, had the privilege of talking with students in the Fashion Boot Camp to let them know more about Mount Mary and the Fashion Program. It was great to see their energy and excitement about Boot Camp as well as let them know more about the great opportunities they would have as a Mount Mary student.

Are you interested in learning more about the fashion program or other programs at Mount Mary? Well next week is a perfect opportunity to visit Mount Mary, as it is Wisconsin Private College Week. Students during this time will get to sit in on a mock class, take a tour of campus, and learn more about the admission process. We hope to see you there. Registration for all the events held next week is available online.

"Summer in the City"
by Jenifer Wessels, June 29, 2010

Since this is my first official summer as a Milwaukee resident, it is so refreshing to see so many fun events and activities going on in the city. I have compiled a short list of a few of the many Milwaukee summer events that I am looking forward to attending this summer.

1. Milwaukee County Zoo- I have already been a couple of times and the zoo is such a great place for kids of all ages.
   
2. Summerfest- I am super excited to go to this one! Summerfest is the world’s largest music festival (held right here in Milwaukee). This 10 day celebration features tons of great bands.
   
3. Brewers’ games- Who doesn’t love a baseball game?
   
4. Jazz in the park- I haven’t been to this one yet, but heard it’s great. Jazz music flowing through a park in downtown Milwaukee… what could be better?
   
5. Festivals- Seriously Milwaukee is a Festival town. It seems like every week there is a new summer festival many themed around certain cultures. Irish fest, Mexican fest and German fest are just a few remaining this summer.
   
6. Museums- Between the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Discovery World, and the Milwaukee Art Museum there is something for everyone.
   
7. Farmers Markets- Farmers markets are strewn all over the greater Milwaukee area on the weekends. Great places to find locally grown fresh fruits and veggies, freshly cut flowers, and fun crafts, it’s a great Saturday or Sunday morning outing.
8. Beaches and Lake front activities- Besides the grand Lake Michigan and the tons of great activities lakeside in downtown Milwaukee, the entire state of Wisconsin is completely covered with lakes. So on sunny days, pull a chair up beachside and enjoy the rays or if you’re adventurous, venture to Wisconsin Dells, the water park capital of the world! Who knew it was in Wisconsin?

Really, there is so much to do in Wisconsin all year round, which makes it such a great location to go to college. For more information on Wisconsin college life and events check out www.milwaukeecollegelife.com or www.onmilwaukee.com.

"Sneak Peek"
by Jenifer Wessels, June 23, 2010

This week was definitely a busy one at Mount Mary. It appears that summer is completely in full swing with camps, programs, and summer school.

Monday was orientation day for our Midtown Scholarship students as they begin their summer bridge program this month. This week marked the beginning of the regular summer session of classes, so good luck to all new and returning students here this summer. Also, many of our summer camp programs kicked off this past week. The Fashion/ Design Boot Camp, Art for Youth Program, and summer sports camps have brought many younger faces to campus. Whew, so much happening is happening right now!

Speaking of events, I wanted to give you a seek peek into an event coming up in a few weeks! Wisconsin Private College Week is being held July 12th-17th at all of the 20 private colleges and universities across the state. It is a week where all the private schools, open their doors for students to visit and tour campus. Students are invited to visit Mount Mary for an interactive day of discovery during this year’s Private College Week. Students will be able to sit in on a mock class (art, fashion, justice, science), tour campus, and meet with admission staff to learn more about campus life and the application process. Registration can be completed online or call our office with questions, 414-256-1219. I hope you choose to make Mount Mary a stop on your summer college tour list!

"Women's Leadership Institute" by Jenifer Wessels, June 16, 2010

Earlier this month our Women’s Leadership Institute on campus held their annual New Leadership Wisconsin conference. The goal of the conference is to empower women to take on positions of leadership and influence within their communities. This six day program includes guest speakers of women in politics and policymakers, local educators, and women whom are champions for social justice. For more information check out this video.

"Undecided" by Jenifer Wessels, June 9, 2010

This past Saturday was our second registration day of the year. We were jammed with students on campus, signing up for fall classes, setting up their email accounts, visiting the bookstore, etc. The next two registration days are coming up on June 17th and July 15th so if you have not sent in your sign up materials yet, please do so as soon as possible.

On to a big question mark in the college search process, “What major are you going to choose?” The truth is that some students begin their college careers with an idea of what path they would like to follow, but many do not. No need to panic, or rush into choosing a major, most college students change their majors at least once and many make multiple changes. Here are a few things to consider when thinking of choosing a major or career choice:

• What classes have you traditionally excelled in during high school? And what majors align with those classes?
  
• Explore internship and job opportunities within your field of interest to get a glimpse into whether or not that career path is for you.
  
• Consider the requirements for your considered career path. Look into whether your major can be completed in four years or if it requires graduate work, then consider whether you are willing to put in the needed time and money towards achieving that degree.
  
• Consider the relative growth in the field. What is the job placement outlook for graduates in that field currently?
  
• Ask yourself what it is you love to do. Are there majors that spark your interest or excite you?
  
• Remember you have time to change your mind, so be flexible.

Our Advising and Career Development Office on campus can be a great resource for students who are undecided on their career path or who are searching for the perfect major.

"Social Summer" by Jenifer Wessels, June 2, 2010

Like many other colleges and universities across the nation, Mount Mary has reached new boundaries and started utilizing social media. Social media has become a method of communication, not just for teens, but persons of all ages.

You can stay in contact with family members and friends as well as stay connected to your favorite colleges! If you are interested in getting more information about Mount Mary or seeing what is going on around campus check us out at the following :

Flickr	YouTube	Facebook	MySpace	Twitter

Or access all of these sites from our Blogs/ Social Media page!

"Decisions, Decisions" by Jenifer Wessels, July 21, 2010

There are so many questions that you ask yourself when going through the college search process. Picking out the perfect college can be an exciting but stressful task. To help in your process, here are a few things to consider yourself when choosing a school that is right for you.

1. Do they offer the academic program(s) that are of interest to you? Do they have a strong academic reputation?
   
2. Does the school have a variety of internship opportunities?
   
3. What is the diversity like on campus?
   
4. How large/ small is the total school population and how large/small are the individual class sizes?
   
5. Are there academic support services available to me on campus (i.e. tutors, study groups)?
   Is the location appealing to me? Do I want to choose a school close or far away from home?
   
6. What schools are providing me with a strong financial aid package and have great scholarships available for me to apply to?
   

This is a brief overview of some of the questions students ask themselves when beginning their college search process. It’s important to make this decision for yourself and not choose a college based on where your friends are attending. Take the time to assess what you really need in a college and then take the opportunity to visit the campuses that are of interest to you. Good luck in your searches!

"Art-tastic" by Jenifer Wessels, July 7, 2010

The end of last week marked the completion of two of our summer camp programs. The Arts for Youth Summer Camp Program and the Fashion Boot Camp had wonderful displays set up on campus Friday afternoon, showcasing the culmination of their work. It is truly evident that these students learn a ton over the short time period of the camp.

Another counselor in our office and I, had the privilege of talking with students in the Fashion Boot Camp to let them know more about Mount Mary and the Fashion Program. It was great to see their energy and excitement about Boot Camp as well as let them know more about the great opportunities they would have as a Mount Mary student.

Are you interested in learning more about the fashion program or other programs at Mount Mary? Well next week is a perfect opportunity to visit Mount Mary, as it is Wisconsin Private College Week. Students during this time will get to sit in on a mock class, take a tour of campus, and learn more about the admission process. We hope to see you there. Registration for all the events held next week is available online.

"Summer in the City"
by Jenifer Wessels, June 29, 2010

Since this is my first official summer as a Milwaukee resident, it is so refreshing to see so many fun events and activities going on in the city. I have compiled a short list of a few of the many Milwaukee summer events that I am looking forward to attending this summer.

1. Milwaukee County Zoo- I have already been a couple of times and the zoo is such a great place for kids of all ages.
   
2. Summerfest- I am super excited to go to this one! Summerfest is the world’s largest music festival (held right here in Milwaukee). This 10 day celebration features tons of great bands.
   
3. Brewers’ games- Who doesn’t love a baseball game?
   
4. Jazz in the park- I haven’t been to this one yet, but heard it’s great. Jazz music flowing through a park in downtown Milwaukee… what could be better?
   
5. Festivals- Seriously Milwaukee is a Festival town. It seems like every week there is a new summer festival many themed around certain cultures. Irish fest, Mexican fest and German fest are just a few remaining this summer.
   
6. Museums- Between the Milwaukee Public Museum, the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Discovery World, and the Milwaukee Art Museum there is something for everyone.
   
7. Farmers Markets- Farmers markets are strewn all over the greater Milwaukee area on the weekends. Great places to find locally grown fresh fruits and veggies, freshly cut flowers, and fun crafts, it’s a great Saturday or Sunday morning outing.
8. Beaches and Lake front activities- Besides the grand Lake Michigan and the tons of great activities lakeside in downtown Milwaukee, the entire state of Wisconsin is completely covered with lakes. So on sunny days, pull a chair up beachside and enjoy the rays or if you’re adventurous, venture to Wisconsin Dells, the water park capital of the world! Who knew it was in Wisconsin?

Really, there is so much to do in Wisconsin all year round, which makes it such a great location to go to college. For more information on Wisconsin college life and events check out www.milwaukeecollegelife.com or www.onmilwaukee.com.

"Sneak Peek"
by Jenifer Wessels, June 23, 2010

This week was definitely a busy one at Mount Mary. It appears that summer is completely in full swing with camps, programs, and summer school.

Monday was orientation day for our Midtown Scholarship students as they begin their summer bridge program this month. This week marked the beginning of the regular summer session of classes, so good luck to all new and returning students here this summer. Also, many of our summer camp programs kicked off this past week. The Fashion/ Design Boot Camp, Art for Youth Program, and summer sports camps have brought many younger faces to campus. Whew, so much happening is happening right now!

Speaking of events, I wanted to give you a seek peek into an event coming up in a few weeks! Wisconsin Private College Week is being held July 12th-17th at all of the 20 private colleges and universities across the state. It is a week where all the private schools, open their doors for students to visit and tour campus. Students are invited to visit Mount Mary for an interactive day of discovery during this year’s Private College Week. Students will be able to sit in on a mock class (art, fashion, justice, science), tour campus, and meet with admission staff to learn more about campus life and the application process. Registration can be completed online or call our office with questions, 414-256-1219. I hope you choose to make Mount Mary a stop on your summer college tour list!

"Women's Leadership Institute" by Jenifer Wessels, June 16, 2010

Earlier this month our Women’s Leadership Institute on campus held their annual New Leadership Wisconsin conference. The goal of the conference is to empower women to take on positions of leadership and influence within their communities. This six day program includes guest speakers of women in politics and policymakers, local educators, and women whom are champions for social justice. For more information check out this video.

"Undecided" by Jenifer Wessels, June 9, 2010

This past Saturday was our second registration day of the year. We were jammed with students on campus, signing up for fall classes, setting up their email accounts, visiting the bookstore, etc. The next two registration days are coming up on June 17th and July 15th so if you have not sent in your sign up materials yet, please do so as soon as possible.

On to a big question mark in the college search process, “What major are you going to choose?” The truth is that some students begin their college careers with an idea of what path they would like to follow, but many do not. No need to panic, or rush into choosing a major, most college students change their majors at least once and many make multiple changes. Here are a few things to consider when thinking of choosing a major or career choice:

• What classes have you traditionally excelled in during high school? And what majors align with those classes?
  
• Explore internship and job opportunities within your field of interest to get a glimpse into whether or not that career path is for you.
  
• Consider the requirements for your considered career path. Look into whether your major can be completed in four years or if it requires graduate work, then consider whether you are willing to put in the needed time and money towards achieving that degree.
  
• Consider the relative growth in the field. What is the job placement outlook for graduates in that field currently?
  
• Ask yourself what it is you love to do. Are there majors that spark your interest or excite you?
  
• Remember you have time to change your mind, so be flexible.

Our Advising and Career Development Office on campus can be a great resource for students who are undecided on their career path or who are searching for the perfect major.

"Social Summer" by Jenifer Wessels, June 2, 2010

Like many other colleges and universities across the nation, Mount Mary has reached new boundaries and started utilizing social media. Social media has become a method of communication, not just for teens, but persons of all ages.

You can stay in contact with family members and friends as well as stay connected to your favorite colleges! If you are interested in getting more information about Mount Mary or seeing what is going on around campus check us out at the following :

Flickr	YouTube	Facebook	MySpace	Twitter

Or access all of these sites from our Blogs/ Social Media page!

"Comings and Goings" by Jenifer Wessels, May 25, 2010

If the heat wasn’t a dead giveaway, life here on campus is definitely giving off the summer vibes. Any excuse to be out and about enjoying the summer sun, I am all for.

This summer it seems like people are coming and going all day long. With the first summer session underway faculty and students are heading to and from summer classes, new students are on campus for registration and assessments, and employees and students alike are enjoying summer vacation time. Even though campus is nowhere near the hectic nature of fall semester classes, for high school juniors (excuse me, now seniors) summer is a great time to visit college campuses.

The question I am sure many students ask when deciding on a perfect college is, “What size school will fit me best?” Obviously every school is unique, even amongst large universities and smaller colleges.

One of the defining characteristics of Mount Mary, is it’s size. With just over 1,900 students, we take pride in our tight-knit community atmosphere. Small class sizes allow students the opportunity to receive lots of individualized attention and hands-on experience. All of our courses and labs are taught by professors, no teaching assistants, so they have the ability to know the strengths and weaknesses of their students.

My advice when starting the college search process is to visit all kinds of campuses. You may be surprised at what you thought you would like and what you actually feel comfortable with.

"Summer Fun" by Jenifer Wessels, May 18, 2010

First and foremost a huge congratulations to the class of 2010! This past Saturday was Mount Mary’s graduation day so good wishes and good luck to all!

As we are celebrating the old we are largely focusing on bringing in the new. New students for this fall are busy taking placement assessments and coming on campus for registration. If you are an incoming freshman or transfer student who hasn’t signed up assessments and registration do so asap!

Since the summer is now here (so exciting)! I wanted to give you all a glimpse into some of the great opportunities there are to explore at Mount Mary this year.

• Fashion/ Art/ Design Boot Camp is a two week pre-college art studio for creative high school students. The camp is running from June 21-July 2nd.
  
• The Athletics Department is hosting a series of Summer Sports Camps, for girls and boys, ages 7-18. The camps include Basketball, Cross Country, Tennis, and Volleyball.
  
• The Picture Yourself in College program is available for male and female students entering 7th, 8th or 9th. The camps if July 12th-23rd and students must qualify for free or reduced lunches to participate.
  

These are just a few of the opportunities available this summer, to fun have on Mount Mary’s campus. Explore more summer activities on the Mount Mary website.

"The Journey Begins" by Jenifer Wessels, May 5, 2010

This past Saturday we held our first Registration day of the year, a very exciting day for all of our incoming students. Whether starting this summer or this coming fall, registration day, is the time when students really begin their journey here at Mount Mary. Students had the opportunity to meet with counselors in Financial Aid, get their student IDs, and set up their email accounts. The most exciting activity however is being able to meet with their advisors and pick out classes. Student Affairs also offers a family program so that mothers, fathers, and siblings can get a better feel about campus life.

Incoming accepted students, if you have not yet signed up for registration (and assessments) please do so as soon as possible. You should have received a packet of information in the mail regarding which placement assessments you are required to take and a list of dates in which you can sign up to take them here at Mount Mary. The next registration date is June 5th so get in your sign up sheets today!!!

With all the students’ in our office it is hard to suppress the anxiety and excitement of the few final weeks in the semester. This week caps off the last week of classes, which of course means, next week is FINALS! Good luck to all, especially our graduating seniors! Next Saturday, May 15th is Mount Mary’s graduation ceremony, so there will be much to celebrate (besides the end of finals)!

"Project Runway" by Jenifer Wessels, April 28, 2010

As we look forward to graduation and the summer campus is busy with activity.

Last night we held our Adult Info Session, which was a great success. Transfer students and adult returning students were able to meet with faculty and staff from both our undergraduate and graduate programs, meet with persons from our onsite child care center, and discuss financial aid and admission procedures with staff. Current students were on hand to give tours and answer questions. Events like this are a great opportunity to get to know more about Mount Mary and our programs.

On a lighter note…. After being an avid Project Runaway fan for many years, I am beyond excited about attending my first Mount Mary College Student Fashion Show. Current juniors and seniors who are fashion majors (apparel product development or merchandise management)), put on the fashion show every first Friday in May as a culmination to their year’s work. One of the 32 students participating in the show is a student worker in our office. She is not only designing a collection for the show but she is also assisting in the production of the show and modeling in it as well! I can barely sew on buttons, so perhaps it’s my creative envy that has my excitement brewing.

The name of the show is "Rapture" and there are multiple shows being held on campus May 7th. Tickets can be purchased online. 

Even though I won’t get to meet Heidi Klumm or Tim Gunn, I am very much looking forward to the event, definitely check back in for a follow-up blog.

"Preview Day" by Jenifer Wessels, April 20, 2010

As I stated in last week’s blog, this past Saturday was our annual Spring Preview Day event (and the first major event I have planned here at Mount Mary). Not to pat myself on the back, but I think it was a great success. All the families who attended had a great time visiting with students, staff, and faculty. Our student ambassadors were outstanding tour guides for the day and the Wisconsin weather could not have been better for the event. All in all, the day was perfect.

In other news:

• Tuesday, April 27th, 4:30-7:00pm - We will be hosting our Adult Information Session. Mount Mary offers undergraduate, certificate, and graduate programs designed with adult students in mind.
  
• Saturday, May 1 - We are hosting Snapshot Saturday. The event is comprised of a small group information session to provide high school students and their families with an overview on scholarships, academics, campus life, and financial aid as well as a tour of campus lead by our student ambassadors. Transfer students should call the office to schedule an individual appointment.
  

Registration for these and all admission events can be completed online.

As the days seem to fly by it is so difficult for me to believe that the academic year has almost ended… and that I will have been at Mount Mary for almost a full year. As a reminder, the preferred housing deadline for incoming students is May 1st so if you haven’t turned in your housing applications yet do so as soon as possible. Current students, good luck with your finals, they are merely a few weeks away.

"Surprised?" by Jenifer Wessels, April 14, 2010

First some updates from the past week… I am wrapping up the last of my visits in Illinois. After traveling what seems like all over the state, I am glad to be back to the normalcy of the day to day in the office. However, the nice “slow paced” (haha) day to day activities will have to wait until next week, as this Saturday is our annual Spring Preview Day event (which I happen to be coordinating).

Preview Day is an event we host every spring to give high school juniors and undecided high school seniors a chance to glimpse into life on the Mount Mary campus. Students will get the opportunity to sit in on sessions on topics from Admissions and Scholarships to Student Affairs and Financial Aid to Athletics. Families will also take a tour of campus lead by current students and visit with staff and faculty at the Academic and Campus Activities fair. It is a great event to explore both the social and academic opportunities that Mount Mary provides. We already have many students signed up to attend the event. I am very much looking forward to meeting with interested families. Again the event is this Saturday from 9am- Noon. Please join us, registration for this event and for all other admission events, can be completed online.

During my recent travels, one question is constantly brought up. “What is it like being at an all-women’s college?” I am sure it is a question that many of our current Mount Mary students asked themselves a lot when going through the college search process. However, if you asked many of them now, their answers may surprise you. The all-women’s atmosphere makes campus completely comfortable. Students say they aren’t concerned with their outward appearance and more concerned about what is going on in the classroom. Mount Mary’s small class sizes also give students a lot of personalized attention and hands on experience.

Besides some of the personal, social benefits, the Women’s College Coalition sites that students who attend all women’s colleges are more likely to graduate, score higher on standardized tests, and are more successful in their careers. The truth is… men and women are different. Surprised? Probably not. Men and women’s brains are wired differently, therefore we learn differently. So wouldn’t it make sense to be in a classroom specifically tailored to the way you learn best? I think so.

For more about women's colleges, check out the Women’s College Coalition website.

"College Culture" by Jenifer Wessels, April 6, 2010

Easter break was definitely welcomed and very pleasant indeed. The weather was perfect and I could not have asked for more!

Coming back to campus it appears as though the break never occurred, as our office is always busy. This week I am Illinois bound again visiting high schools in Barrington, Northbrook, and Naperville (to name a few areas). It is always a pleasure meeting with students and helping them begin the college search process.

Scholarship decisions and financial aid packages are still abound; but for many students the housing process is now beginning. Living on campus is great way to be connected to the campus community, make great friendships, as well as get involved in campus life. Mount Mary provides a few different room options for campus housing in Caroline Hall. This year the housing application process has gone green! Applications can be found online. The priority deadline for housing is May 1st so get in your apps soon!

In other news…this coming Saturday April 10th there is an exciting event happening on campus. Bassma, a student from Iraq who started at Mount Mary last fall and four more Iraqi students will talk about their life in Iraq and their experience in the United States, where they all pursue a college degree in order to rebuild Iraq when returning to their home country. It is sure to be an intriguing event.

Hope you all have a great week… until next time!

"Flying By" by Jenifer Wessels, March 30, 2010

Another week down here at Mount Mary and I can hardly believe how fast this semester is flying by. Students are trading in jackets and snow boots for t-shirts and flip flops, I feel like summer is almost within reach!

Last week my fair down at DePaul University in Chicago was great. I met with tons (I mean tons… it was busy) of students and guidance counselors. It was a great event and I was able to connect with plenty of our Chicago students.

High school juniors: I highly encourage you to take advantage of opportunities like this to learn more about colleges you might be interested in attending. So look out for college fairs in your area where you can get more information or think about scheduling a few campus visits!

We are offering some events this spring for prospective students to learn more about Mount Mary and get a taste for life on campus. Our annual Spring Preview Day is being held on April 17th. This event gives interested students an opportunity to visit Mount Mary to meet with faculty, current students and staff, tour the campus, learn more about the admission and financial aid processes, as well as explore the vast array of social, athletic, and academic opportunities. Also May 1st we will be hosting our Snap Shot Saturday event. Snap Shot Saturday is a small group information session that provides first year students and their families with a quick overview on scholarships, academics, student life and financial aid along with a campus tour. For more information or to reserve your spot at one of these events check out the campus/ enrollment events on our web site.

Easter is less than a week away and let me tell you I am thrilled. I hope you all have a great holiday weekend and a great rest of the week (I hope it flies by quick)!

"Financial Aid and Scholarships" by Jenifer Wessels, March 26, 2010

Now that Spring break is over, campus is definitely back in gear and buzzing with activity.

Last week all my travels went well great. I met with tons of student at the National Hispanic College Fair who were from all over the Chicago area and some even from Indiana. Tonight I am off again and heading to another fair held at DePaul University in Chicago. It is sure to be a great event as well.

The last few weeks of March seem to flying by… and financial aid award letters seem to be flying out our doors. Many students have already filed their FAFSA and received their financial aid packets. If you haven’t had a chance to file the FAFSA do so as soon as possible. For those of you that have received your awards please feel free to contact your Admission Counselor with any questions about your package, they would be more than happy to review it with you.

Another friendly reminder, for all students, continue looking and applying for outside scholarships!!! There are tons of scholarships available through your schools, community centers, churches… sometimes the little effort it takes to apply can really pay off in the end.  Check out our financial aid website for plenty of resources for outside scholarships including some great links to help you in the scholarship searching process.

This week the Masters of Arts in English Program is offering a lecture series, "Writers on Writing with poet Samuel Hazo."

"Spring Has Sprung!"
by Jenifer Wessels, March 16, 2010

After two 50+ degree days in a row here in Milwaukee has me completely spoiled. Walking around Mount Mary’s campus, the last bits of snow have disappeared and a few flowers have already begun to sprout up too. It truly is “Spring Break”!

With spring break now under way campus is definitely a lot more quiet than usual, although in less than a week that will change as classes begin again. Despite it being spring break our office still seems to be buzzing with excitement. Our Midtown Scholarship Program has already finished two different interview dates. I have had the pleasure of meeting with some of the scholarship candidates which has been extremely fun. This unique program offers young women of Milwaukee academic, personal, and financial support as they pursue their degree at Mount Mary. The Midtown Scholarship award guarantees that an eligible student's federal, state, and Mount Mary gift assistance cover up to 85 percent of tuition costs. This scholarship is awarded to up to 50 full time students annually. If you haven’t applied for Midtown there is still time. The application deadline is March 31st. Good luck to all the applicants!

As I move into next week I hope that the weather remains as beautiful as it is today. This Thursday and Friday I will be heading down to Palos Hills, Ill. for the National Hispanic College Fair as well as some high school visits located on the southwest side of Chicago. Monday and Tuesday morning I’ll head back to Milwaukee and visit a few local high schools, then Tuesday night it’s back down to Illinois, for a fair at DePaul University in Chicago. Busy! Busy! I hope to meet some of you while I’m traveling over the next week.

Enjoy your weekend and enjoy the weather! Until next time…

"Speed Sharing"
by Jenifer Wessels, March 9, 2010

This past Thursday I attended a guidance counselor workshop in Rolling Meadows, IL. The workshop, sponsored by WAICU (Wisconsin Assoc. for Independent Colleges and Universities), included all 20 WAICU member colleges in attendance. We each got the chance to share information about our campuses with guidance counselors from across the Chicagoland area.

Guidance counselors rotated through 10 round robin sessions to learn about as many campuses as time would allow. After each session a bell would ring to let us know it was time to rotate to the next group. One of the counselors pointed out that it oddly reminded them of speed dating! Nevertheless it was a great event with lots of great conversations.

FAFSA’s, Assessments, Registration…. Oh My!!! If you haven’t received them already, newly accepted students should be expecting registration materials and financial aid award letters in the mail in the next coming weeks. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to file your FAFSA online. The financial aid office is processing award letters as we speak, so the sooner you submit your FAFSA, the sooner you can receive your financial aid package. Also as you receive assessment and registration materials, be sure to sign up as soon as possible. Hard to believe, but yes, soon you will be picking out your fall classes!!!

This week is the final week of classes before SPRING BREAK! How exciting! Not only are students on campus looking forward to rest and relaxation but some are choosing to spend their breaks serving those less fortunate. Through campus ministry, some students have chosen to spend their breaks in locations like New Orleans and West Virginia serving the poor in the community. Look out for some bloggers reflections on these trips in the coming weeks.

"Traveling Olympics" by Jenifer Wessels, March 3, 2010

Traveling back from Stevens Point last week I was able to enjoy a full drive of sunshine for the whole trip. The Wisconsin School Counselor Association, Inc. (WSCA) conference last week was great trip as I got to connect with my fellow Wisconsin Association of Independent College and Universities (WAICU) counselors (as well as school guidance counselors from middle and high schools from Wisconsin. This week I am headed to another guidance counselor event in Illinois. I am hoping make a lot of good connections with counselors new and old from the Chicagoland area. Should be exciting!!!

The other counselors have been traveling all over the Milwaukee area the last few weeks visiting local high schools and one even made a few trips to Madison. It’s a shame the Olympic Games are over, we might have won a gold medal!

Our office is also gearing up for this week’s Overnight Visit event. Students who have already been accepted to Mount Mary will be visiting Thursday evening through Friday morning to get a glimpse of life here on campus. They will get to sit on a class, spend the night with a host student in the residence hall, and participate in some fun activities as well. It is sure to be a fun event for all involved - incoming and current students, as well as, staff and faculty.

"Busy as a Bee" by Jenifer Wessels, February 24, 2010

Looking out the admission office window, with giant snowflakes falling everywhere, it makes me think that perhaps spring hasn’t quite sprung. No matter what the season, Mount Mary’s campus always manages to look beautiful and is always busy!!! (See Mount Mary's Campus Calendar.)

This past week has been an exceptionally busy one and it appears that there is no stop to that in the near future. Despite the non-spring-like conditions here in Milwaukee, for many of the admission counselors in our office, spring semester travel has begun. So, look out for Mount Mary visiting your high school or at your local college fairs. The rest of the week I will be traveling up north for a Wisconsin Guidance Counselor fair in Stevens Point. I am hoping to connect with a lot of Wisconsin area counselors and provide them with lots of information about Mount Mary’s program, scholarships, and campus life. More on this to come….

It is also a busy time for financial aid and scholarships. FAFSA have been filing in as both current and incoming students begin the financial aid process. Mount Mary offers a unique scholarship program for students with high financial need, called the Midtown Scholarship. It provides young women from Milwaukee the opportunity for academic, personal, social, and financial support while they pursue their degree at Mount Mary. The scholarship covers between 70 and 85 percent of tuition costs and is awarded to 50 students every year. The deadline for the scholarship has been extended to March 31st so accepted students should check out this program online and apply!!!

"Welcome" by Jenifer Wessels, February 17, 2010

Hello and welcome to the first official edition of the Mount Mary Admission Counselor blog! Through this blog, I hope to keep you all updated on Admission events, important dates and deadlines, our travels, as well as give you insight on what life is like here at Mount Mary.

I am Jenifer Wessels one of the members of our Admission Team here at Mount Mary. I moved to the Milwaukee area in July of 2009 from the northside of Chicago, IL and have been working as an Admission Counselor at Mount Mary ever since. Although my time here has been short, I love living in the Milwaukee area and working at Mount Mary. (Yes. I will however always stay a Bears fan…Sorry!) All of the students, staff, and faculty have been so welcoming… that is what makes Mount Mary the close community it is.

So far, working as an Admission Counselor has been fast paced and exciting. It is easy to forget how stressful the college search process can be! As counselors we are the people you meet while we visit your high schools, out at college fairs in your community, and who help you through the admission process. I have really enjoyed getting to know students from all over the country and assisting them with applications, financial aid, and finding out if Mount Mary is the right fit.

We have lots of ways to keep in touch with us. Come back and check out our blogs, find us on Facebook, set up a campus visit or come to one of our events. Please feel free to email us with questions/ comments at blogs@mtmary.edu. I will try my best to blog the answers to the questions you send.
Hope to hear from you soon! Until next time…

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