Gerald Bradshaw

Gerald Bradshaw is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.

DePaul students and veterans George Murad, left, and Mike Baumann stop before a business calculus class on Aug. 5, 2019, to analyze a map hanging in the university's veterans services office that shows where DePaul University students have served. (Camille Fine / Chicago Tribune)

Bradshaw: Military experience can give grad school applicants an edge

January 14, 2025 at 10:10 a.m.

Your military service provides a strong foundation for success in business school and beyond. With careful preparation, you can leverage your unique experiences to gain admission to a top MBA...

Hobart Superintendent Peggy Buffington was interviewed Anderson Cooper for a podcast during his visit for a "60 Minutes" segment on Hobart High School's use of AI-powered Khanmigo earlier this year. (Photo courtesy of the School City of Hobart)

Bradshaw: AI offers opportunities, pitfalls in the classroom and workplace

December 19, 2024 at 2:19 p.m.

By addressing challenges and ethical concerns, educators and employers can maximize the benefits of AI, ensuring that students and job seekers alike are well-equipped for a rapidly changing world.

Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in Chicago is pictured. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

Bradshaw: If law-school bound, pick a major that’s challenging yet interesting

November 14, 2024 at 11:12 p.m.

Don’t feel pressured to find the “perfect” major for law school. Law schools evaluate applicants based on the strength of their academic record, LSAT scores, and personal statements, rather than...

William "Rick" Singer founder of the Edge College & Career Network, departs federal court in Boston, on March 12, 2019. (Steven Senne/AP)

Bradshaw: Questions abound as convicted college consultant restarts business

October 29, 2024 at 3:16 p.m.

Rick Singer, the mastermind behind the 2019 college admissions scandal known as “Operation Varsity Blues,” was recently released from federal prison after serving 16 months for his role in one...

Today, more students are deciding to apply to college, and online applications have made it easier for them to apply to more schools. Between 1960 and 2001, college enrollment more than tripled from 4.1 million to 14.8 million, according to Trinity College research, and this number is still on the rise. The process has become incredibly streamlined, as the majority of colleges use The Common Application, making it easier for students to send in more applications than they used to — and with more applicants comes more competition. Parents who can afford it are now hiring professionals to help their students master standardized tests and write essays that will set them apart from other applicants.

Bradshaw: Keep career goals in mind as you craft essay

October 14, 2024 at 12:52 a.m.

Dear Mr. Bradshaw, I am a junior in high school and I know I will face a very competitive class of applicants when I apply to college next fall. I...

William "Rick" Singer, front, founder of the Edge College & Career Network, exits federal court in Boston on March 12, 2019, after he pleaded guilty to charges in a nationwide college admissions bribery scandal. (Steven Senne/AP)

Bradshaw: Consultants can be helpful for students seeking admission to elite schools

September 21, 2024 at 10:13 a.m.

As schools become more selective and public resources remain limited, reputable college consultants can provide valuable guidance. For families navigating this complex process, consultants can offer personalized support to help...

FILE - In this photo taken Jan. 17, 2016, a student looks at questions during a college test preparation class at Holton Arms School in Bethesda, Md.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Bradshaw: Putting in the hours for SAT prep is worth it

August 30, 2024 at 12:27 p.m.

The key to conquering the SAT is commitment. Keep in mind that studying for the SAT is not like anything you've ever done. Think of it as a chance to...

In this Thursday, May 17, 2018 file photo, new graduates line up before the start of a community college commencement in East Rutherford, N.J. (Seth Wenig/AP)

Bradshaw: Research will serve you well during college search

July 24, 2024 at 12:25 p.m.

As you plan your pilgrimage to potential colleges this summer, I have some suggestions that will save you time and money.

Despite huge attention given to recent developments in artificial intelligence, many school systems are not yet offering teachers, or students, any training in artificial intelligence tools. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Bradshaw: Artificial intelligence raises questions of bias, cheating

July 1, 2024 at 2:34 p.m.

Despite the many benefits of AI in education, AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on and biased or incomplete data can lead to unfair...

Aerial view of the University of Chicago campus in the Hyde Park neighborhood against the Chicago skyline, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Bradshaw: Law, business offer prime opportunities for top college grads

June 13, 2024 at 1:23 p.m.

Ultimately, the best choice between a career in law or business depends on your personal interests, career goals, and financial considerations.

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