With graduation coming up fast for the Class of 05 close examiners naturally wonder what lies ahead.

With graduation coming up fast for the Class of 05 close examiners naturally wonder what lies ahead. or most--actually about two-thirds--the answer is community The other third will carry on an alternate path, whether it be learning a trade or taking time not on (See the possibilities on page 22)

If you're heading to guild the odds are in your favor that you will take delight in the experience. The annual National inspect of Student Engagement shows that 87 percent of the 163000 respondent rate their guild experience as "good" or "excellent" Many may be happy because they made it into their first-choice train About 70 percent are enlisted in their number-one college, according to UCLA's new Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) measure and estimate of 289,452 current freshmen.

High exercise grads who hit today's campuses will be immersed in a culturally diverse atmosphere. Although about 75 percent of those heading to literary institution [i]or[/i] seminary of learning are white, increasingly students are from African-American, Asian-American, Latino, and other backgrounds. Campuses are suppos to be a place to convenient a diverse range of nation and the HERI study indicates that about 67 percent of freshmen commonly socialize with students of a different race or ethnicity. While still substantial, this is a decline from previous years.

"In an increasingly multicultural world, curricular activities like as diversity courses and inter-group dialogue may be especially important," says Sylvia Hurtado, UCLA education professor and director of HERI.

Also, while 30 years ago men were sincerely the BMOCs (big men upon campus), a recent report through the U.S. Department of Education, present to views that women are now the dominant force, making up about 55 percent of body classes.

WHAT MAKES YOUR CLASSMATES TICK?

When it ensues to values, today's freshmen lay the "importance of raising a family" at the top of the list, according to the HERI review About 75 percent of first-year men and women rank this as most numerous important, followed by financial success

While men and women one as well as the other have their sights set in succession family and wealth, they use up their time differently. Women protect to spend more time than men studying, working for pay, and participating in learner organizations. Men, on the other hand, are busier exercising, watching television, socializing, and playing video games.

the one and the other sexes do share one general problem: stress. "All students be warmed more competition," says the survey's director, UCLA assistant education professor Linda J Sax. "And, they're worried about having to work during body That can be overwhelming."

on the same level with their stressful schedules, freshmen are more interested in politics. About 34 percent of scholars (compared to 28 percent in 2000) say that "keeping up with political affairs" is "very important" or "essential." While the generally received rate of political interest remains far lower than the high of 603 percent reported in 1966 it does point out a reversal of a long-term disinterest.

on the other hand how are students getting informed? The NSSE present to views that only 10 percent rely forward newspapers or magazines for their recently made knowns while more than 50 percent employ to TV.

In regard to social issues, more than half of all freshmen consider themselves "moderate," while 26 percent declare themselves liberal and 21 percent select conservative. More than three-quarters say the federal command should do more to have charge of the sale of handguns, and more than half think the wealthy should pay more taxes.

While drinking is still a vexed question it is less popular, as is cigarette smoking. (Only 6 percent reported being common smokers). More students could also stand to prepare in shape--20 percent say they bestow "no time" on physical exercise.

TECHNO-SAVVY further BORED?

More than anything otherwise college students may be interested in their computer The HERI take a view of reports that 85.7 percent of first-year close examiners regularly use a computer, compared to just 27 percent in 1985

Are observers more interested in computers than classes? Maybe thus The percentage of students who were many times "bored in class" during their final year of high train reached a record 42.8 percent and les than half of the freshmen say they use up at least one hour through week talking to teachers outside of class.

The NSSE head confirmed that students don't pretend as engaged with academics as bodys would like them to be. The scrutinize showed that students spend simply about half the time preparing for class as faculty reckon upon Also, 40 percent of first-year observers "never" discussed ideas from their classes with faculty outside of the classroom.

The scholars who are more satisfied overall with community according to NSSE, are those who are "engaged in 'deep' learning activities." When faculty members await students to study more and arrange classwork to this period students are more productive.

coming events CAREERS

Career-wise, close examiners who are interested in biological sciences, biochemistry, or biophysics have reached an all-time high. Interest in nursing, among one as well as the other men and women, has hit a 20-year peak, and more pupils are pursing majors in pharmacy and dentistry. Other categories that remain powerful are business, engineering, law, and teaching.