Elizabeth LaScala

07/15/2025

If you are at the stage where you are considering an MFA, I’ll bet you’re pretty sure that you like art and are good at it. But do you need an MFA? MFA programs only consider artists who can provide a portfolio that demonstrates their skill and commitment to their craft. So if you have skill and commitment already, why do you need an MFA? Here are four reasons why an MFA might be the right choice for you.

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By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD If you are at the stage where you are considering an MFA, I’ll bet you’re pretty […]

07/02/2025

In the July 2025 issue of my Graduate and Professional School Admissions Newsletter, I explore the Master of Fine Arts degree and why it can be essential for artists in my article, “Four Reasons to Get Your MFA.” I also share practical tips on financing art school. Read the issue here:
https://mailchi.mp/doingcollege/grad-prof-newsletter-1?e=[UNIQID]

A graduate education is increasingly necessary to advance careers, increase income and enjoy employer-sponsored health coverage and retirement plans, and applying successfully for a graduate or professional degree requires careful planning. As Founder of Doing College and Beyond, I provide personalized guidance throughout the graduate and professional degree admissions process, whether you are currently studying at the undergraduate level or are already working in your career. Visit my website to learn more.

If you are at the stage where you are considering an MFA, I’ll bet you’re pretty sure that you like art and are good at it. But do you need an MFA? MFA programs only consider artists who can provide a portfolio that demonstrates their skill and commitment to their craft. So if you have skill and...

06/26/2025

Founded in 1876 as America’s first research university, Johns Hopkins is a school that’s often linked closely with the study of medicine, biomedical engineering or other engineering specialties. Just over 30 percent of Johns Hopkins seniors earn degrees in science or engineering. The university also receives more funding for academic research than any other institution—public or private—in the United States.

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By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Founded in 1876 as America’s first research university, Johns Hopkins is a school that’s often linked […]

06/17/2025

Choosing a college major can feel overwhelming, and many students share this experience. Nationally, an estimated 12% to 14% of first-year college students enter higher education without having declared a major. One contributing factor is concern about an evolving job market shaped by rapid technological advancements and shifting career landscapes. Beginning college as an undeclared student can offer the opportunity to explore personal interests, identify academic strengths, and become informed about emerging industry trends.

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By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Choosing a college major can feel overwhelming, and many students share this experience. Nationally, an estimated […]

06/04/2025

In the Summer 2025 issue of my College Admissions Newsletter for high school students, I explore the benefits of entering college with an undeclared major—highlighting why delaying this decision can be a strategic advantage. This issue also features a profile of Johns Hopkins University and includes summer planning calendars to help rising juniors and seniors stay on track with their college admissions goals.

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https://www.doingcollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Doing-College-and-Beyond-College-Admissions-Newsletter-Summer-2025.pdf

05/22/2025

Located in a vibrant city setting, University of Pittsburgh, aka ‘Pitt’, is one of America’s leading research universities. As further evidence of its status in the academic world, the dominant building on Pitt’s campus is the Cathedral of Learning, a 42 story building that is the tallest building on any college campus today.

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By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Located in a vibrant city setting, University of Pittsburgh, aka ‘Pitt’, is one of America’s leading […]

05/13/2025

Medical admission committees want applicants who have demonstrated intelligence, maturity, integrity, a dedication to service, and a commitment to embracing diversity. For example, the AMCAS Primary Application offers you the opportunity to describe up to fifteen activities; presentations, research accomplishments, internships, shadowing, club memberships, leadership roles, honors and awards show medical admission committees how you have lived your life prior to submission of an application. Hence, the nature and depth of your extracurricular activities are significant factors in your admissibility to medical school.

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By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD July 9, 2020 Medical admission committees want applicants who have demonstrated intelligence, maturity, integrity, a dedication […]

04/25/2025

Like all educational opportunities, premed programs vary in terms of focus, quality, and the support they provide students. While some of these differences are reasonably intuitive (e.g., smaller class sizes give you a more personalized learning experience), other differences are counter intuitive. For example, attending an elite, highly selective school may not be in your best interest.

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https://www.doingcollege.com/selecting-a-premed-undergraduate-program/

By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Prerequisites for Medical School: GENERALLY REQUIRED COURSES Biology – 2 semesters with lab Chemistry – 2 semesters […]

03/26/2025

Located in Boston, Wentworth Institute of Technology attracts a promising B+ student who is curious about business, design, or technology and ready for rigorous coursework.

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By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Located in Boston, Wentworth Institute of Technology attracts a promising B+ student who is curious about […]

03/13/2025

Most students and their families are excited to have a college list as soon as possible. But good things take time. The assessment phase, using the questions and college features and factors below, is an opportunity to discuss your goals, expectations, and priorities, and identify the college factors that are most important to you, including college affordability.

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By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Most students and their families are excited to have a college list as soon as possible. […]

03/06/2025

In the March 2025 Issue of my College Admissions Newsletter for high school students, I provide questions and college features that will help you identify your goals, expectations, and priorities, including college affordability, when in the early stages of forming your college list. I profile Wentworth Institute of Technology, and provide calendars for Juniors and Seniors to stay on track in March.

Doing College and Beyond guides college, transfer and graduate school applicants through the complex world of admissions. We help students choose majors and programs of interest, develops best match college lists, offers personalized essay coaching, and tools and strategies to help students tackle each step of the admissions process with confidence and success. We help students from all backgrounds to maximize scholarship opportunities and financial aid awards. Visit my website to learn more.

02/26/2025

Founded in 1791, the University of Vermont (UVM) is the fifth-oldest college in New England after Harvard, Yale, Brown and Dartmouth. UVM stands for the Latin: Universitas Viridis Montis, which means University of the Green Mountains. Over 14,000 students occupy its picturesque 460-acre campus.

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By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD Founded in 1791, the University of Vermont (UVM) is the fifth-oldest college in New England after […]