All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

study abroad

5 Things to consider when choosing a study abroad program

 

study abroadNot all study abroad programs are alike. Some are for a semester while in college. Others are during the summer months. And still others offer study abroad for a year or more. With so many program types and destinations, it can be difficult to decide which program best fits your student’s needs.

Here are five things your student should consider when choosing a study abroad program:

1. Is study abroad right for you?

Study abroad offers an opportunity to travel, explore other cultures, and gain experiences that can enhance your future career. But studying abroad is not necessarily a good fit for every student. Studying abroad is a unique and adventurous opportunity but can also be challenging for a student who isn’t comfortable being far away from home and away from their support system.

2. Where and when would you like to study abroad?

There are so many destinations to choose from and so many options available. Do the research. Study the countries. Ask yourself questions about the length of study and whether or not you want to be in an english-speaking country. Follow student bloggers who are studying abroad and ask questions about the countries they are living in.

Continue reading 5 Things to consider when choosing a study abroad program →

test prep

10 Summer SAT Study Tips

 

sat prepJuniors and seniors in high school are looking toward the fall and standardized testing. For seniors, it’s the last chance to get their best score before the college applications are submitted. For juniors the fall test can be a good indicator of areas that need improvement and require more preparation. Taking advantage of the summer to prepare for these tests is just smart academic sense.

Following are ten summer SAT study tips to help your student prepare for standardized tests in the fall.

  1. Read-All SAT test experts will tell you that reading is one of the best and easiest ways to prepare for the SAT. Reading for entertainment is helpful, but reading for content and purpose will help with the reading part of the SAT.
  2. Utilize self-paced study-Use the Official SAT Study Guide produced by the College Board and study at your own pace. Use the free online prep as well. Set a schedule to study, however, and stick with it.
  3. Take a practice test-Practice tests help you evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Set aside time to complete them just like you would on test day. It helps to familiarize you with time constraints and focus on the test itself without distractions.
  4. Sign up for an SAT course-There are a variety of courses available throughout the summer, both in person and online. Online SAT courses offer students flexible accessibility to test prep solutions that cater to each individual. Barrons Test Prep offers a diagnostic test, lesson videos, practice materials and reports that help your student track their progress. The price is affordable and they offer a free trial to test out their service.
  5. Hire a private tutor-Many students need the one-on-one instruction that a private tutor can give. Tutors can help your student evaluate their academic strengths and give them personalized academic tutoring which will help with the standardized tests. Before you hire them, however, do the research.
  6. Sign up for the SAT question of the day-This is just another way to familiarize yourself with the test and practice one question each day. Sometimes smaller dozes of studying help break it up and can be easier to remember.
  7. Boost your vocabulary-Use flash cards, sign up to receive an SAT word of the day in your email, post words on the refrigerator, and talk about them with the family at dinner. Crossword puzzles also help increase your vocabulary.
  8. Write-Practice writing essays by journaling or blogging. Since most of communication today is done by texting or IM speak, it’s good to write using correct grammar, syntax and complete sentences.
  9. Study with a friend-The buddy system helps your student stay accountable.
  10. Review math skills-The math part of the SAT requires knowledge of basic math concepts and formulas. SAT books provide an index of the math skills required and the practice tests give your student and idea of the type of math questions they will need to become familiar with.

SAT prep doesn’t need to be torturous. In small doses your student will retain what they learn and won’t be cramming the last few weeks before the test. Summer is the perfect time to spread the study out.

financial aid, scholarships, Uncategorized

10 Scholarships Summer Prep Tips for Students

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Today’s guest post is by Monica Matthews of How to Win College Scholarships. Monica’s advice for parents and students is always helpful and timely. Her proven track record of winning scholarships for her own family and her “how-to” approach that helps other parents do the same, makes her an expert in the scholarship search process.

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scholarshipsFor students, summer vacation usually means sun, beaches, and fun.  For parents of the college-bound, however, summer means one step closer to college tuition bills and students loans.  There are a number of things students can do to get a jump-start in the college scholarship process during the summer, while at the same time saving time for fun in the sun.

  1. Volunteer – Helping others is a great way to explore career options, meet mentors, and rack up invaluable community service hours that scholarship providers look for in their applicants.
  2. Write – Scholarship essays are how judges get to know students on a deeper level.  Students can find some early deadline scholarships and practice writing the required essays. Continue reading 10 Scholarships Summer Prep Tips for Students →
career colleges, college majors, college planning

Information Technology Careers: Keeping pace with innovation

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it careersWe check our bank account online, couple our televisions to our in-home wireless networks, instant message our coworkers, stay connected via social networks, rely on the GPS navigation in our cars, and otherwise depend on information technology for our modern lifestyle. Behind all of these daily conveniences is a team of experts keeping systems up and running, securing our private data, and innovating new IT solutions.

Top IT Careers:  2013 – 2020

Almost every business you come in contact with each day uses information technology. Well-educated IT professionals who possess computer information systems degrees are truly surrounded by a world of opportunity. In fact, 4 of the top 10 jobs for 2013, as selected by U.S. News and World Report, are in the information technology field. These fast-growing, well-paying career choices are:

Continue reading Information Technology Careers: Keeping pace with innovation →

college guidance, college planning, tech gadgets

How to maximize laptop battery power

 

laptop batteryLaptops were once fairly rare possessions, but they have become very common these days. Students are issued these devices to further their education in some schools. People of all backgrounds find them necessary for working on the Internet or for their employers remotely. However, knowledge of how to care for these devices has not spread so quickly.

As a result, many people spend far too much on new laptop batteries. These sources of power can actually last much longer if people would use them properly. Some education about laptop battery usage could save you or a friend a lot of money and a lot of hassle in the long run.

Following are five suggestions to help prolong and maximize laptop battery power:

1. Manage Your Power Settings

You may not know it but you are in charge of how much power your laptop uses. You can exercise this control significantly when you alter the brightness of the screen. You can memorize the steps to find this control or simply type screen brightness into the search bar that appears when you click on the Start menu in the lower left-hand corner. You can make the screen bright for when it is in use and program the computer to dim it whenever a certain amount of time goes by.

Continue reading How to maximize laptop battery power →

college majors, college planning

The Benefits of a Marketing Degree

 

marketing degreeWhether you are in the middle of your education or you are planning what to study when the time comes, a marketing degree will give you a solid background for many different careers. The knowledge and skills that you learn when you study marketing can be applied to careers in business, advertising, sales, economics, social sciences and many other areas. You will find the study of marketing includes ideas and practical applications from several different disciplines. You will graduate well-rounded and prepared for success. If you are trying to decide between a marketing degree and something else, consider what you will gain from the marketing path.

Audience

One of the most important aspects of marketing is understanding your audience. You will not be able to successfully market anything without knowing everything you need to know about the potential customers and clients you will try to reach. Whether you are marketing a product or a service, you need to know who your buyers are. An education in marketing will help you figure this out. You will learn how to analyze demographics, read statistics and anticipate exactly who will pay attention to your marketing outreach efforts. If you go into another field such as business or politics, the skills you obtain in learning to understand your audience will also be useful.

Continue reading The Benefits of a Marketing Degree →

college guidance

5 Tips to Stay Out of Legal Trouble in College

 

legal troubleThe college years are often a period of growth and change for a young individual. Gaining knowledge, skills, and experience to prepare for a career and adult responsibilities takes dedication and hard work. College students must stay focused on their studies, while still maintaining an active social life. Staying out of legal trouble in college is important for getting on the path to a bright future and a successful career. There are five important tips that college students should keep in mind to avoid legal trouble in college.

Pay Parking Tickets on Time

Parking can be tough for commuting students on many college campuses. A lack of available spots in lots can often cause students to simply take the first spot that is available. Campuses strictly enforce parking rules and regulations in order to make a fair system for everyone. It is important to purchase a parking permit that allows one to park in a designated lot. When parking tickets do wind up on the windshield, students should take care to pay them up as soon as possible. Unpaid tickets can result in a car being booted, which is costly for students. Paying citations and parking in permitted areas is the smartest way to avoid trouble with campus parking enforcement.

Continue reading 5 Tips to Stay Out of Legal Trouble in College →

dorm life, student health

Smart snacks to eat while studying

 

Studying is hungry work, but choosing the wrong foods to satisfy this hunger can actually decrease your energy levels and sabotage your healthy diet.  Chips, cookies and other snacks consisting of simple carbohydrates provide bursts of energy, but this energy quickly dissipates, so you experience crashes.  Instead of binging on junk food, eat healthy, balanced, smart snacks, like the five suggested below, to ease your cravings, fuel your brain, and keep both your diet and your education on track.

healthy snacksApple Slices or Celery and Peanut Butter

Apple slices or celery sticks paired with one to two tablespoons of peanut butter provide a good mix of carbohydrates, fat, and protein to keep you full and alert while you pursue your education.   Celery sticks are lower in calories and sugar than apple slices, so if you need to munch constantly, these are the smarter choice.  If, however, you are feeling sluggish and sleepy, opt for apple slices.  They will give your blood sugar more of a boost.

When choosing a peanut butter, select a natural brand without added sugar or hydrogenated oils.  Eating brands that have added sugars, like corn syrup or table sugar, may give you a sugar rush, but the energy boost will not last.  Because the sugars in these peanut butters are simple sugars, your body processes them rapidly.  This means a crash will quickly follow the initial sugar rush.

Continue reading Smart snacks to eat while studying →

admissions, college guidance, college majors, college planning

4 Reasons to Consider a Business Degree

 

business degreeNarrowing down the best major is often difficult. Some students choose the wrong path and end up regretting their degree program. Likewise, other students choose degree programs with limited job opportunities. Choosing to enroll as a Cardinal Stritch business management student, for instance, can open the door to several career opportunities in the future. If your student is on the fence and can’t decide between a business program and another degree, here are four good reasons to pursue a business degree.

1. Better Job Security

There is no guaranteed way to avoid a job lay off. However, obtaining a business degree can provide greater job security. Education level can impact unemployment, as well as the type of education. Business is an in-demand degree, with many graduates able to find stable employment upon completion of their degree.

Continue reading 4 Reasons to Consider a Business Degree →

career colleges, college guidance, college planning, community college

Is community college the right choice?

 

community collegeMany young people dream of going off to college—leaving home, living in the dorms, exploring an exciting new city, and exercising new found independence. Because of this, community college is often an over looked option.

However, in our struggling economy, going to college isn’t just a rite of passage. It’s also a strategic investment that will affect our children’s financial success and achievements for the rest of their lives. Like any other investment, parents and students are looking to minimize costs while maximizing their returns. For some, community college can be a great way to accomplish this.

Continue reading Is community college the right choice? →