Starting college is exciting. It’s a chance to learn, meet new people, and prepare for your future. But along with the excitement comes a long list of costs. College can feel expensive fast. Luckily, by understanding the key expenses and planning ahead, you can handle them without too much stress. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to manage the college costs.
Continue reading The True Cost of CollegeAll posts by Suzanne Shaffer
Tips for Finding the Best Student Loan
For many students across the country, taking out a student loan is the only way they can afford to get the education they want and need.
While other options, like scholarships or financial aid, are available for students meeting the criteria for others whose parents can help them or can’t cover the entire four-year tuition, student loans can bridge the gap and are a necessary evil.
However, not all student loans are the same. Understanding the financial agreement you’re signing up for and knowing how to find the best student loans can empower you, giving you the control to avoid some of the common pitfalls of student loans and make more informed decisions. So here goes.
Continue reading Tips for Finding the Best Student LoanMastering Note-Taking in the Digital Age
Between juggling lectures, assignments, and exams, staying organized can feel like a full-time job for students. While pen-and-paper methods still have their charm, today’s technology offers tools that make note-taking more efficient and effective. From hardware to apps, these note-taking tools can transform how students learn and succeed academically.
Continue reading Mastering Note-Taking in the Digital AgeUsing the Holidays to Complete College Tasks
The holiday season is fast approaching—a chance to catch your breath, spend time with family, and recharge. But if you’re a parent of a high school junior or senior, you probably feel a familiar tug of responsibility, wondering how are you going to find the time for those college tasks.
While it’s important to enjoy the festivities, this season can also be a great time to help your teen finalize their college list and start applying for scholarships. With a little planning, you can work on these college tasks together, even during the holiday hustle.
Continue reading Using the Holidays to Complete College TasksHelping Your Teen Deal with Election Trauma
The landscape of politics can be complex and, at times, overwhelming—especially for our teens, who are trying to make sense of the world around them while dealing with their own personal and academic stresses. Election seasons often bring heightened emotions, and the outcomes can spark concerns or fears that are hard for young minds to process.
As a parent, you can play a vital role in helping your teen understand the impact of election results and navigate the emotional landscape that often follows. Here’s how to start these conversations with empathy and insight.
Continue reading Helping Your Teen Deal with Election TraumaEnsuring Your Child’s Academic Future
Every parent wishes for their child to have the best opportunities in life, and a university education often forms a cornerstone of that journey. Finding your way there may feel exhausting at times, but hang in there. This article will give you some great tips and fun commentary to keep your child’s academic journey on track.
Plant the Seeds of Curiosity Early
Toddlers might not exactly pore over college brochures between episodes of their favorite shows. However, you can still form a love of learning from an early age by encouraging reading with books that are both captivating and educational, or sparking their natural curiosity with science kits or art supplies that grab their interest. Remember, universities love discovering young minds filled with knowledge and curiosity.
Continue reading Ensuring Your Child’s Academic FutureAccredited Programs: Finding Your Path in College
So, you’re about to embark on one of the biggest decisions of your life: choosing a college. It’s like stepping into a maze, filled with endless possibilities and a whole lot of unknowns. With so many factors to consider, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the labyrinth.
Affordability is key. Let’s face it, cost is a major factor for most students. A recent survey showed that 53% of students ranked affordability as the most important factor in their college choice. And 67% rated the cost of attendance as “very important.”
But here’s the thing: affordability shouldn’t come at the expense of quality. That’s where accreditation comes in. Accredited programs are held to high standards, ensuring you get a top-notch education.
Continue reading Accredited Programs: Finding Your Path in CollegeHow Presidential Candidates Address Rising College Costs
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, one key issue weighing heavily on the minds of many Americans is the rising cost of higher education. With tuition rates and student loan debt continuing to skyrocket, families and students are eager to know where the candidates stand on making college more affordable. From proposals to cancel student debt to ideas for tuition-free college, each of the presidential candidates offers a unique vision for the future of higher education.
These policies will not only affect you, but your student who will most likely be voting in their first presidential election since turning 18.
Continue reading How Presidential Candidates Address Rising College CostsNavigating Your Teen’s Hesitations About College
Hearing your teen say, “I don’t want to go to college,” can be a heart-stopping moment for many parents. This is especially true if college has been a long-anticipated step in your child’s future. However, it’s important to approach this situation with patience and understanding. College may not be right for everyone.
Before the door to higher education closes entirely, there are several steps parents can take. These steps can help their teen reconsider college in a more thoughtful and informed way.
Here are five practical steps to guide you while navigating your teen’s hesitations about college:
Continue reading Navigating Your Teen’s Hesitations About CollegeUnderstanding Hazing: What Parents Need to Know
When my daughter was in college, she pledged a sorority. I had my concerns. Turns out, they were valid. Even though it was against campus policy for any fraternity or sorority to use hazing on its members, it happened during “hell week”. The hazing not only affected her health but her first semester grades.
As a parent, I voiced my concerns and wanted to report the sorority. My daughter begged me not to get involved. In hindsight, I wish I had.
