Stevens Institute of Technology: Admissions Blog

Undergraduate Summer Research @ Stevens

At Stevens, many undergraduates get opportunities to participate in interesting and important research.  

Are you interested in developing critical skills and exploring sophisticated topics in research as early as the end of your freshman year? Stevens is definitely the place for you.

Stevens allows you to push the boundaries of your education further than the classroom, and research is a great way to accomplish this.

Each summer, for example, students in a number of research programs explore critical areas of research, including but not limited to:

 

• Surgical Robotics
• Neural Tissue Engineering
• Ambient Energy Harvesting
• Housing and Student Loan Markets
• Information Flow Security for Android Apps
• Microfluidic 3D Arthritic Cartilage Tissue Modeling
• Engineering Scaffolds for Cartilage Regeneration
• Smart Sensor and Home Automation
• Recovering Phosphate and Ammonia from Wastewater

In addition, student researchers get to discuss their work and findings with the university community at special research poster sessions in the fall.

Last week, one such student, mechanical engineering major Blaise Linn, stood before his poster enthusiastic about sharing the nature and outcomes of his unique research in acoustic sensor technologies. As part of the Center for Secure and Resilient Maritime Commerce Summer Research Institute, Blaise collaborated with an undergraduate electrical engineering student from the University of Puerto Rico and a maritime systems student from Stevens to develop a method to use passive sonar for vessel detection and characterization on our nation’s waterways.

“I was fortunate to be a mechanical engineering student pulled into this type of research,” said Blaise. “One of the most incredible things is that although we have faculty advisors, the research is ours. We worked with the data and designed and implemented a solution. We worked as a team solving a real-world problem. And we proved our hypothesis. It was all very gratifying.”

Discover research and other opportunities to realize your educational goals at www.stevens.edu.

Learn more about the application process and our application deadlines at http://www.stevens.edu/sit/admissions/apply/index.cfm. Early Decision I applications are due November 15, 2012.

 

Stevens' Early Decision II Deadline is January 15

Prospective undergraduate students, if Stevens is your top choice but you haven't yet applied, we thought you would appreciate a friendly reminder that our Early Decision II deadline, January 15, is just over a week away.

Why do nearly half of our incoming undergraduate students choose an Early Decision option? Here are a few very important reasons why:

• If you are accepted to Stevens through Early Decision II, you will know by February 15th where you’re going to college. The search comes to a pleasant end, and you can relax and enjoy the rest of your senior year.
• Upon acceptance through Early Decision, we are able to provide you an estimate of your financial aid package so you get a head start on planning for the costs of attendance.
• With the search process out of the way, you would have a chance to explore Stevens more deeply and make important connections with fellow accepted students and current students who are eager to assist you in acclimating to Stevens. You can also plan ahead to attend various faculty luncheons designed to introduce you to instructors who will most likely also serve as your mentors throughout your career at Stevens.

Just as a reminder, the Early Decision plan is “binding,” meaning if you submit a tuition deposit as an Early Decision II candidate by the stated deadline, you agree to 1) Withdraw all applications from other institutions, 2) Not initiate any new applications at other institutions, and 3) Attend Stevens in the fall 2012. Our expectation is that if accepted, you will be joining the university, and will confirm this by submitting your deposit.

Also keep in mind that if you have already applied to Stevens through regular admission but would like to switch your application to Early Decision II, you may contact our office. Stevens makes it easy for you to apply using our online application or the Common Application. Both allow you to waive the application fee. They can be accessed at www.stevens.edu/sit/admissions/apply/instructions.cfm.

We look forward to assisting you in any way!

The Interview, an Important Part of Your Application Process

If you’ve done your research or begun your formal application to Stevens Institute of Technology, you may be wondering, “Why does Stevens require an interview for all applicants?” At Stevens, we believe a personal interview is a critical step in the application process because it gives us an opportunity to get to know you and learn more than what is on your application. Through the interview, we hope to understand more about your interests in and out of the classroom. We also feel that the interview is a great way for you to learn more about Stevens, and we encourage you to come prepared with questions for us.

The interview is a one-on-one meeting between a prospective student (either applied or planning to apply) and a member of the Undergraduate Admissions staff.  For students living within 250 miles of our campus in Hoboken, NJ, this is done in person.  Students outside that radius may visit campus for an interview or conduct one over the phone.  The interview takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes and time is reserved afterwards for family members to join the meeting and ask questions about the admissions process and Stevens. Tours of campus are also available either before or after the interview if you have not already taken one.  Please budget an additional hour for this experience.

Don’t quite imagine yourself on the other side of the application and admission process yet? Take a look at our student blogs. Our bloggers update frequently, so you can also subscribe to all or any of the blog feeds to get real-time, ongoing reflections and advice from those who know Stevens best and want to tell you about it throughout the year – photos, videos, comments about school and social life, it’s all there. Check out Michael’s blog for starters.  A sophomore at Stevens, he was once where you are now!

We look forward to learning more about you from our interactions and wish you all the best in the college admissions process.

Letters of Recommendation for College Admissions

ADVICE FROM THE OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS AT STEVENS

Recommendations carry a lot of weight in your college application process. For that reason, it’s important to make the right selection when choosing a recommender. Here are some tips to help you secure recommendations that can help make your application distinct: 

Who to ask: First and foremost, colleges want to hear from a teacher who can describe your motivation, work ethic, reaction to setbacks, or resourcefulness. You might also choose to provide a recommendation from guidance counselors, coaches, or club supervisors with whom you have had a successful or positive interaction. They should know you well, like you, and respect you. Most importantly, however, they should be reliable. Don’t ask parents, relatives, or people who are biased toward you. Also, don’t ask people who don’t know you well.  Stevens requires at least one from a teacher and one from a guidance counselor.

How to ask: Take some time (after school, for example) to really talk to the person you’re asking. Explain which schools you are applying to, and what you plan to study. Make it easy for them – provide this information in writing, and feel free to include a list of potential highlights they may choose to include (e.g., a research paper, group project, or other distinguishing aspect of your relationship with them).

When to ask:Approach recommenders early in your senior year, well before your application deadlines. Some of the best, most engaged, and most popular teachers are swamped with requests for recommendation writing.  No matter who you're approaching with the request, give them ample time to complete the task. Include a list of the colleges you are applying to and the dates the recommendations are due.

Why you should follow up:Don’t forget to write a thank-you note after the recommendation has been submitted, and remember to keep your recommenders informed about your ultimate college choice. They’ll be glad to know that their participation helped you get to this point, and by showing gratitude and sharing your success, chances are you'll solidify a relationship you might rely on in your future endeavors too. 

If the Stevens admissions staff can be of any assistance during your application process, don’t hesitate to contact us at admissions@stevens.edu or 1-800-STEVENS.

Good luck!

On the Road Again: Stevens at a College Fair Near You!

As always, Stevens admissions counselors have a full travel schedule this fall - ensuring that prospective students near and far have ample opportunities to learn about Stevens, our offerings and the admissions process.  Visiting a Stevens admissions counselor during a college fair at your school or in your region is also a great way for us to get to know you!

Inquiring with your school's guidance staff is a good way to discover when Stevens will be at your school or in your area.  We also make a schedule of Stevens-attended College Fairs available to you as a resource on our website.  Of course, once you've met a Stevens representative at a fair or individual school visit, coming to campus is then the best way to get a first-hand feel for Stevens. Register for our next fall visit day in November - if you haven't already done so! 

If you are further along in your search process and you know Stevens is right for you, then it's time to apply for Early Decision - the deadline is November 15!  Applying for Early Decision tells us that Stevens is your clear-cut first choice.  It tells us that your enthusiasm for Stevens runs high and that your commitment is strong.  There are several benefits that come with Early Decision, and we are available to answer any of your questions - in the Admissions Office or on the road!

What More Could a New Student Ask For?

Incoming Stevens students get a serious dose of the skills and connections they need to help transition to their new life at college, and they have a lot of fun in the process. By the conclusion of Orientation week, new students have not only become acquainted with Stevens but also have very likely cultivated the kind of friendships that last throughout their studies here and well beyond graduation. That is true for Orientation Leaders Zoe Elliott and Alyssa Antropow, who met as freshmen during Orientation activities last year, became fast friends, and returned this year as roommates and Orientation Leaders helping 615 new students get acquainted with each other and everything that Stevens has to offer.

 Among the new freshmen was incoming biomedical engineering major Alexa Morales, who, like many incoming residents, got her first taste of student solidarity during Orientation check-in, her parents Ramona and Tony Morales (Center in photo) in tow. Zoe, Alyssa, and junior Richard Wismer assisted Alexa outside the Samuel C. Williams Library – and less than an hour before Alexa’s parents departed campus. Alexa said she looked forward to classes and the experience of living on her own away from home for the first time. She said she fell in love with Stevens during a college visit and her enrollment in the Exploring Career Options in Engineering & Science (ECOES) program at Stevens the summer before her senior year at Middeltown High School North. Her advice to those beginning their college search? “Start Early!” she said. Erika participated in Stevens’ Early Decision program and highly recommends this option to those whose first choice is Stevens. What was top of mind for her at the onset of her new life at Stevens? “The stress of unpacking but also excitement about making new friends,” she said.   

Many new students got a head start to Orientation week by descending on campus a few days early for Pre-Orientation.  Pre-Orientation included a number of trips destined for outdoor, city life, performing arts, and sports adventures beyond the borders of campus – and all centered on exploring exciting, new activities with peers. This year, all Pre-Orientation activities were filled to capacity.  While some excursions were closer to campus – Hoboken and New York City – others went as far as the High Peaks Region of Adirondack State Park, New York, where students stayed one night at a base camp together and then broke off into smaller camping groups for two days to canoe, hike, mountain bike, or rock climb and returned to base camp for a final night with the larger group.

 Derek Straub, senior mechanical engineering major and Orientation Leader for one of the canoe trips, said that team building skills and friendships are a primary focus of the activities. “Everyone’s much more quiet and reserved on the bus ride up there,” Derek said. “But by the end of the trip, there’s a lot of laughing and storytelling. It really shows how close friendships are formed during experiences like this. You can see how these help incoming students let go of some fears, try new things together, and they absolutely don’t regret it!” While Derek is an experienced explorer, he said the Outdoor Adventure Pre-Orientation activities are recreational and suitable for all.

Rick Lueng, senior chemical biology major and one of two Orientation Coordinators who spent the summer at Stevens planning the Orientation and Pre-Orientation programs this year, enjoyed making some changes to the already outstanding program, one of which included adding a community service activity to the list of options for the weekend trips culminating Orientation – a group of freshmen and their Orientation Leaders visited the Liberty Science Center to lead one of the museum’s educational workshops geared for younger children. “My experience as an Orientation Leader and Coordinator has been great,” Rick said. “I believe it’s extremely encouraging for the freshmen to see excited and enthusiastic upperclassmen to inspire them to want to get involved and hopefully break out of their shells.” 

 Third year literature and communications major Juliet Turalski was an Orientation Leader who helped facilitate the events on campus and, like Zoe and Alyssa, direct freshmen upon their arrival. She gave two thumbs up to the milkshakes at Coffeehouse and the cover band at another event. Juliet also raved about the Orientation Leader training and teambuilding activities this year, which included a trip to see Fuerza Bruta, what she called “one of the coolest shows in the city.” The Freshman Summer Games were also high on her list of Orientation highlights, especially the enthusiasm and spirit she and peer Orientation Leader Herman Saini got to model for their group.  

“The activities and involvement of peer leaders is so important because it is a way for all of us – new students and the Orientation Leaders – to get out of our normal comfort zones and experience another side of ourselves that maybe we didn’t know we had in us,” Juliet said. “Networking and making connections is a valuable tool in life, and I believe we have a great opportunity right here to develop that skill. The Orientation program begins the journey of discovering ‘the new you’, and to have role models like the orientation leaders who make it fun and guide you through the process is encouraging.  The whole experience makes you more open, which makes you enjoy life more. In my opinion, that’s the most important thing to remember!”  

Early Decision I Deadline is November 15

Don’t forget – the Early Decision I deadline is right around the corner! If you are applying EDI, make sure your application is submitted by November 15 and all supporting documents are received by December 4.

Did you know?...

• If you applied Regular Decision and now would like to apply Early Decision, simply contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to indicate your decision to switch and confirm your attendance by the ED commitment date.
• EDI candidates will be notified of the acceptance decision by December 15 – just one month!
• While Early Decision candidates may initiate applications to other colleges, if you are accepted ED and deposit to Stevens, then you must immediately withdraw all other applications and submit no new applications. The ED decision is binding when you commit to Stevens, which is required by the January 5, 2010 deadline.
• Students are reviewed for all scholarship and special academic programs; in addition if you file the CSS/PROFILE we can provide an estimated financial aid package at the point of acceptance.
• Early Decision students form the core of our freshman class: committed scholars dedicated to improving the way we live through innovation and entrepreneurship.

If you know Stevens is the right school for you, there is no reason not to apply Early Decision! Visit http://www.stevens.edu/sit/admissions/apply/earlydecision.cfm for more information about EDI and to apply now.

Early Decision II

The Early Decision II deadline is January 15, 2008.

Read an earlier FAQ post about Early Decision II or visit the Stevens Admissions Web site.

November 1 Chat: Transcript and FAQs

Our November 1 chat was a great success. A lot of ground was covered, so our counselors have put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions from the chat:

How do I contact my Admissions Counselor?
Applicants are able to find their admissions representatives by visiting the Find Your Counselor  or Contact links located on the admissions homepage. Feel free to e-mail or call your counselor with any questions about the application process or about Stevens in general. 

If I choose to switch my application from Regular Decision to Early Decision, what additional materials need to be submitted and who do I need to notify?
Candidates wishing to switch their application status from Regular to Early will need to send their admissions counselor an e-mail in order to officially have their application changed.  In addition, ED candidates need to submit the "Early Decision Agreement Form," as well as the "Financial Aid Form for Early Decision" if they intend to qualify for need-based aid. Both forms can be found at  http://www.stevens.edu/undergrad/ED.html. 

How many Clubs/Organizations are offered at Stevens?
There are currently over 120+ clubs/organizations on campus; feel free to check out the growing list of organizations at the Student Life Web site, http://www.stevens.edu/student_life/. If you find that a particular club is missing from the list, Stevens is a place where it is quite easy to start your own!!

For additional FAQs about applying to Stevens, visit http://stevensadmissions.typepad.com/blog/2006/11/applying_to_ste.html

If you missed the November 1 chat, a transcript is now available on our Web site.

To sign up for future chats, visit our chat schedule. Our next chat will be November 20.
 

Early Decision Deadline I: November 15

November 15 is the deadline for Early Decision I applications.

Learn more about Early Decision.