All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

college guidance, parenting

5 Tips for staying in touch with your college student

3 Comments

 

helicopter parents
photo by Michael Elins, Newsweek

When your kids go off to college, mixed feelings of pride and anxiety are natural. You’re happy to see them come so far, but you’re nervous about how they’ll handle the new requirements of college life. Keeping track of their progress can help to ease your mind, but how can you do so without being too intrusive?

Following are five tips for staying in touch with your college student:

  1. Give Them Enough Space

    College students are taking their first steps toward independence and maturity when they leave home, and they need room to grow. Avoid being too overbearing with your students. While you’re rightfully concerned about them, they’ll benefit from the increased freedom of independent living by learning to face life head on. Have confidence in your kids and give them enough space so that they can develop into mature young adults.

  2. Don’t Be Afraid to Check In

    Even as your kids begin to grow up and live more independently, they are still your kids. Don’t be afraid to check in from time to time. If you haven’t heard from your young student all week, there’s nothing wrong with dropping a line to check in. Give your student a call, write an email, or even just send a friendly text. Many students experience feelings of homesickness when they start studying away from home, and it helps to let them know that you’re still around to talk.

  3. Start Using Video Chat

    When you can’t see your student face to face as often as you’d like, video chatting is a great way to get a little face time. Start using an online service like Skype, or make use of mobile phone video chatting capabilities. It’s much easier to see how your kids are doing when you can chat face to face, and this will help to keep your bonds strong even while you’re miles away from each other. Find a time that works for both of you, and chat with video to get as close as you can to a live conversation.

  4. Stay positive

    Keeping track of your student’s progress, as well as his or her challenges, is important. However, it’s also important not to ask the wrong questions when checking in. Avoid asking about things like homesickness or discussing the fact that you miss them so much you are miserable. Your kids will talk about these things if they want to, but many students are too busy to even think about homesickness until someone brings it up. Focus on the positive sides of college life when talking to your kids to help them stay positive.

  5. Make Occasional Campus Visits

    If you’re living in southern California while your student attends the University of New England, visiting campus on a regular basis probably won’t be feasible. Your student may also be happier with the time alone to focus on personal development. However, take the time and consideration to plan an occasional visit, especially on Parents Weekend. This will help you see how your student is living in college and help keep your relationship strong.

Be careful not to become one of those parents that hover over their student. Maintain boundaries but let your student know you are always there for them. Staying in touch with your student during college isn’t always easy, but remembering these simple tips will help you stay in touch and allow for open communication.

 

career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning

College degrees for music enthusiasts

 

music degrees

When it comes to a particular career path that tends to get quite a bit of media attention, it would have to be the field of music—not just when it comes to famous performing artists, but also producers, arrangers, composers and so many other professions that help to keep everything (pardon the pun) right on beat.

If you consider yourself to be a music enthusiast and you would like to know what kind of college degrees are available that specifically cater to your love for the craft, we have a list of a few for you below. Depending on the kind of music career that you desire, one of these college degrees for music enthusiasts should be able to assist you with getting closer to reaching your goal.

Bachelor of Music. A four-year degree that many people who want a music education will enroll in college to get is a Bachelor of Music. One thing that attracts individuals to this degree is that there are many majors available in this department from performance and theory to music history and technology.

Bachelor of Arts. Those who would like to have a four-year degree in liberal arts with a concentration in music, may decide to go with a Bachelor of Arts. This is one that combines a series of music classes with some liberal arts courses as well. If you choose this particular option, two popular majors that are offered are music administration and music business.

Bachelor of Fine Arts. A lot of people who perform in stage plays and even go on to win Tony Awards have this particular four-year degree. Although a Bachelor of Fine Arts is quite similar to a Bachelor of Arts, the main thing that makes it unique is that the focus tends to be on music theatre. So, if you’re interested in earning a degree in how to perform on stage strictly in a theatre environment, this would be the one for you.

Bachelor of Music Education. If a musician uses a press kit template to create their press packet and they decide to list their college education, there’s another kind of degree that you might see listed. If you are someone who has a deep interest in not just music performance but you also want to be equipped with the kind of information that you will need in order to someday teach it to elementary, high school or college students, then a Bachelor of Music Education would be an ideal fit for you. As a matter of fact, many schools who are looking for teachers will require this degree in their list of qualifications. By having one, you can perform and also have the option of teaching too.

Master of Music. After you have completed your undergraduate education, if you want to get a masters, many colleges have what is known as a master of music degree. The focus in this program is many including commercial music, composition, music education, church music, pedagogy and performance. Some even graduate from that and get their doctorate in music so that they can perform or teach music on a collegiate level.

As you can see, there are many avenues to pursue of your student is a music enthusiast. Investigate all paths and follow the one that best fits your talent and future interest.

 

 

college costs, college guidance, financial aid

Tax deductions for college students

 

college tax deductionsCollege students that don’t work probably don’t need to file taxes, especially since most student loans are considered to be non-taxable (provided they are used for qualified education expenses) rather than income. And yet, there are a few reasons why college students may want to file an income tax return, mainly as a way to see some money back thanks to deductions. Of course, students that have a job (part- or full-time) will certainly want to file. But either way it’s important that they know which deductions may be used without raising red flags. And as a parent you can not only help to ensure that your students receive all the money they’re due, but you may also want to look into deductions that you can take in relation to college expenses for your kids. Both students and parents can save when college is a household expense. And here are a few helpful tips to help parents determine tax deductions for college students.

The first deduction that students should know about is the American Opportunity Tax Credit. It is available only to students that have less than four years of school under their belt, that enroll in one or more semesters of school within a tax year, and that maintain half-time status or better in a degree or credential program. It is available to eligible students for each year that they meet the criteria of the credit, and students may claim up to the first $2,000 of applicable expenses (tuition, books, equipment, etc.), as well as 25% of additional expenses (up to a total claim of $2,500 for a tax year). Similar to this is the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, which allows students to claim 20% of qualified college expenses, up to $10,000, leading to a credit of $2,000. However, these two credits may not be claimed in the same year, so any students eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit should use it since the deductible amount is higher.

Students that find they are not eligible for the credits listed above (due to the number of years in school, the amount of money they or their parents earn, or felony convictions, just for example) may instead choose to deduct any tuition and fees they pay out of pocket, up to $4,000. Since this tax break is slated for termination at the end of 2013, now is the time to use it. In addition, any students that have started to pay back their college loans may deduct up to $2,500 in interest payments. Again, these types of deductions cannot be combined with others of the same type, so students need to consider each carefully before deciding which will be most beneficial.

As for parents, they may also claim any of the deductions listed above provided they are making applicable payments on behalf of dependent students. This, of course, can get a little complicated when it comes to the interest payments on student loans. In general, parents should expect that they will not be able to claim this last one for loans that are in the student’s name, even if they’re paying off the debt. It’s no surprise that federal income tax forms are complicated, and any time finances are co-mingled, as with parents paying for student expenses, claiming deductions can be tricky. You need only call the IRS or contact your tax prep specialist to ensure that you and your student get all the deductions you’re due.

college health

Dealing with chronic pain in college

 

chronic pain in collegeIt’s hard to know whether the number of people suffering from chronic pain has increased in the last several years or whether the condition is simply more widely diagnosed than it once was, but it certainly seems that a lot more people are now living with chronic pain, and that number includes some college students. Unfortunately, students leaving home for the first time to live on campus may be ill-equipped to deal with ongoing hardships associated with chronic pain, especially without their lifelong caregivers (mom and dad) on hand to help. But there are ways to manage chronic pain in college.

So if your student has chronic pain, here are a five management tips that should help.

 

  1. Breathing techniques. Although medication is the go-to solution for many people trying to carry on normal lives while living with chronic pain, this might not be the quick fix that students are looking for since some of these pharmaceuticals come with side effects like drowsiness or difficulty concentrating that can make attending class and studying nearly impossible. However, some find that deep breathing and relaxation can help to reduce stress, a major trigger when it comes to sensitivity to chronic pain, as well as decreasing the pain itself. Various meditation techniques can help students to deal with pain and go about their day.
  2. Exercise. It might be harder for students with chronic pain to get up and go for a jog, hit the gym, or play sports with friends, but the benefits are well worth the effort. Increasing strength and flexibility can lead to reduced pain in some cases, in addition to improving health. But the real benefit for chronic pain sufferers comes from the feel-good endorphins produced by moderate to intense activity. Of course, students should speak to a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen; some types of chronic pain could preclude certain activities.
  3. Diet. You’ve no doubt heard the old adage “you are what you eat”, and in some ways it’s true. The average college student subsists on a diet of fats, sugars, and carbs (hence the freshman 15) rather than the lean meats, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and fresh fruits and veggies they should be eating. While they can get some nutrients from daily supplements, the truth is that anyone is going to feel better when consuming a healthy and balanced diet. So impress upon your student the importance of eating right while on campus.
  4. Adequate rest. When we’re tired our minds and bodies are unable to deal with stress and pain as well as when we’re rested. Although most students are prone to burning the midnight oil, either for cram sessions or to hang out with friends, the student that suffers from chronic pain needs to be careful to get eight hours a night, or face the consequences.
  5. Support group. The worst thing for many students dealing with chronic pain is the fact that they feel different and separate from their peers. So you might want to seek out a pain management center near campus where they can not only receive care when they need it, but where there are also support groups for them to join. Likely they will find other students like themselves with whom to commiserate, share problems and advice, and ultimately befriend.
college guidance, college planning, parenting, Uncategorized

Job vs. No Job in College

 

job in collegeCollege is an exciting time for students and parents alike. Children are taking their first major steps toward maturity and independence, while you get to cheer them on with pride and see how far they’ve come. Of course, getting into college is just the beginning. Succeeding throughout those difficult academic years and finding a career after school will be the real challenges. Youngsters need guidance during this time of challenges and changes, and they’ll be looking to you for advice. One question on everyone’s mind has to do with whether or not students should get a job in college. Well, should they?

The Cons

You might be worried that encouraging your student to find a job in college will put too much pressure on them, especially as a freshman. Many students have a tough time adapting to college life, and being pushed to find work may not be the best thing for them. Heavy course loads and early morning lectures can make it difficult just to find time to study and stay on top of homework. After all, your kids are going to college to obtain an education, and that should be their primary focus at all times. If you worry that your kids won’t be able to focus on their studies if they work during college, then don’t push them to look for jobs.

The Pros

However, many students can benefit greatly from working while they go to school. In most cases, students are in school because they want to expand their possible career options in the future. Graduates without relevant work experience will find it difficult to secure employment, even with their prestigious degrees and high marks. Job markets are very competitive today, and the experience your kids gain while working in school could be priceless. They can learn valuable skills, network with influential people, and start applying their knowledge early to become great candidates for future employment.

Furthermore, it is no secret today that college is expensive. Even students who qualify for financial aid and receive partial scholarships can find themselves amassing large student loan debts throughout their years in academia. Working through school can be a great help in relieving this burden, both for your student and for you. School supplies, text books and regular living expenses can add up quickly. Many students cover these expenses by taking out additional loans or asking their parents for help. By encouraging your kids to find work, you can help them decrease their debt burden and start becoming independent right now.

The Bottom Line

Whether or not you encourage your student to find a job in college is up to you, of course. It can be highly beneficial, but it may be too much for some students to handle. Working builds character and helps kids develop into responsible young adults, so if your student is ambitious enough to find project management jobs in college it will benefit them in the future. Students who seize opportunities are sure to be successful in their careers, and finding a job in college can be a great step in this direction.

admissions, career colleges, college guidance, college majors, college planning, Uncategorized

Selecting a college degree that brings reward

 

selecting a college degreeWith a tough job market awaiting those college students that will graduate within the next few years, selecting a college degree that brings reward has become paramount to finding gainful employment. So while parents certainly want to encourage their kids to shoot for a career they’re going to love, they definitely don’t want them staring down the barrel of student loan debt with nothing to show for it but a job at Starbucks and a stack of useless resumes.

The key for most parents is helping their students to find a major that they love that leads to a growing job market. This is no easy feat, but with a few simple tips and tricks at your disposal you should be able to uncover options for any student, regardless of their strengths and preferences. Here are some suggestions to get your student on track for a college degree that will really pay off after graduation.

Do the research

The first thing to do is compile a list of industries that currently seem to be expanding, and there are a few that fit the bill. Anything having to do with the medical industry seems to be on the rise these days, thanks in part to health care reform, but also related to the fact that the baby boomer generation is entering the age of retirement just when there looks to a drought of qualified medical professionals. So the healthcare industry is a solid choice for now and perhaps the next 10-20 years, if forecasts are to be believed. Engineering of all types is also growing, but especially the field of computer engineering (no surprise there). Also taking off is green industry, due in large part to the current administration’s eco-friendly policies, although a growing consumer market for green solutions doesn’t hurt. In truth, green technology is growing by leaps and bounds, so an eco-engineering sort of degree could be extremely lucrative in the years to come. There are, of course, other fields to consider, as well. Not only are kids strong in math and science doing well right now, but those who are creative are finding jobs in the online arena thanks to the growth of blogging and internet marketing campaigns (textual, graphic, and even video).

Match your student’s interests with the career paths

Once you’ve compiled a list of job markets that are growing steadily (without suffering periodic layoffs) it’s time to sit down with your student to talk about finding interests, talents, and skills that may match up with some of the exciting career paths that appear to be taking off at the moment. This is a great way for students to think about what they like and want and how their preferences align with markets that are currently growing.

Select the right fit colleges

From there it’s just a matter of selecting schools that offer reputable and highly-regarded programs in the specific major your student has chosen, whether that means attending MIT for a computer science degree or considering University of Miami masters degrees as your student plans for their future in engineering. The right fit colleges should not only offer these preferred degree plans, but fit your student’s academic and social needs.

Once you and your student have done the research to discover which types of degrees are currently in demand, all that remains is to select a major that best suits your student’s interests and abilities and choose a school that delivers the best opportunities for job placement. College isn’t “all about the money”, but you want your student to be able to enter the job market in their chosen field after graduation.

campus security, parenting

Anxious moments after the Boston Marathon explosions

 

Parents all across the country watched and listened as the reports of explosions at the Boston Marathon began to flood the media. Since yesterday was a holiday in Boston, and for the colleges, students often attend the Red Sox game and/or the Boston Marathon. Almost immediately parents began to text and call their students who were attending college in Boston to check on their safety. The problem: cell service was immediately flooded with calls and eventually shut down to hinder any possible detonations using cellphones.

When I heard the news yesterday, I immediately posted on Facebook asking my Boston friends and family to check in–cellphone towers were down and I could not communicate with them. One of my Twitter contacts, @PreppedPolished (Alexis Avila) was running the marathon. I was receiving text updates of his progress but, of course, they stopped. I immediately posted on Twitter and Facebook asking anyone to let us know if they heard from him. Later that evening, he responded to my tweet that he was stopped at the 25 mile mark and his family and friends were safe.

Colleges used social media

Where did parents turn for immediate updates? Facebook and Twitter. Not long after the explosions, colleges took action using social media. Colleges began directing parents to their college websites where students could check in and parents could confirm their safety. Throughout the day, these colleges updated parents regarding the situations on campus and the measures that would be taken to secure the students’ safety. For many parents who could not connect with their students, this helped calm them until they made contact.

What can we learn?

This attack will evoke fear in the hearts of every parent whose student is attending college or preparing for college. But they should also gain comfort from the fact that the colleges in the Boston area had in place a plan to communicate with parents and ensure student safety. Colleges have emergency communication services in place for tragedies such as the terror attack at the Boston Marathon.

What should parents do?

Parents should know what systems are in place to contact them and notify students in the event of an emergency. “Like” the college’s Facebook page, follow the colleges on Twitter, and bookmark the college website. When visiting colleges, ask them about their emergency preparations and precautions, and ask about the methods they will use to communicate to parents and students.

Tragedies like this tend to affect parents deeply. They worry about sending their kids off to college and being unable to protect them. But they can be comforted in knowing that even though there is evil in the world, there is also great compassion. I will close this post by posting a quote from Mr. Rogers that was circulating around Facebook yesterday that I saw on Kelly’s Facebook page ( @CollegeVisit):

 

mr. rogers quote

 

 

admissions, college planning, organization

ApplyKit: An Online Personal Assistant for College Applications

 

Last night during #CampusChat I noticed a new participant–@applykit. Naturally it peaked my interest and after the chat I did a little research about them. As luck would have it, the founder Bobby Touran emailed me with the 411 about their service.

Heads up parents and students–there’s another tool available to help organize the college planning process. The app manages all aspects of the college application process, including recommendations.

applykit

ApplyKit, the online personal assistant for the entire college application process, today announced the beta release of its ApplyKit service, cloud-based software that helps high school seniors manage their own efforts as well as those of interested stakeholders such as recommenders and parents.  ApplyKit manages the college selection process by bringing the entire process online, and connecting everyone involved.

The ApplyKit software includes the following features:

  • Add a desired school with one click, and ApplyKit will automatically load its deadlines and requirements in checklist form
  • Personalized dashboard tracks a senior’s progress against all applications, as well as any upcoming deadlines
  • A single, secure online space for students to work on application materials with collaborators like recommenders, consultants, and parents

“I’ve built a business around the inefficiencies of college applications,” said Craig Plummer, a professional college counselor.  “ApplyKit will help me manage the application process for my students in a way not previously possible.”

When a student creates an ApplyKit account, she can search for schools and add them to her dashboard. ApplyKit automatically adds dates and deadlines to a student’s master timeline for each school she chooses.  These dates and deadlines trigger email reminders to make sure she doesn’t forget a single step in the process.

ApplyKit then provides an online “Folder” for each school to keep materials and workflow clear and organized.  A student can use the “Collaborators” feature to involve others in the application process as appropriate.  For example, a teacher can compose and submit a letter of recommendation online.  If desired, ApplyKit will even automatically send newsletters to parents to keep them in the loop, including analytics on their student’s overall progress.

ApplyKit was founded by Bobby Touran, a serial entrepreneur from a family of educators, who was stunned by the hassle and manual grunt work required to manage his business school applications.  “At ApplyKit, we plan to disrupt the archaic college application process,” said Touran. “We have launched our product, we have new customers signing up daily, and we will be announcing a number of key relationships in the coming months.”

Touran built ApplyKit as part of Wasabi Ventures’ Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, based in both Nashua, New Hampshire, and Baltimore, Maryland.  Said Touran, “This is a fantastic time for EduTech innovation, thanks to all the great resources available.  For example, in addition to the Wasabi Ventures EIR program, we are an applicant for Pearson’s “Catalyst” program.  Catalyst exposes startups to Pearson’s API and arranges sessions with Pearson advisors.”

Pricing and Availability

ApplyKit uses a Freemium pricing model.  Any student can sign up and manage a single college application for free; a Basic plan that covers 5 applications is $12 per month, and a Premium plan that allows unlimited applications is only $25 per month.  Discounts are available for students who pay for 6 or 12 months in advance.

 _____________

About ApplyKit

ApplyKit manages a student’s college selection process. Students can access, track and share all research and application materials in one place. Applications to undergraduate institutions are at record highs, and students need an advantage more than ever. ApplyKit is positioned at the heart of the college prep industry. Bobby Touran—an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Wasabi Ventures, started the company in 2012. Visit http://www.applykit.com/about for more information. 

 

college guidance, college health, parenting

Talking to kids about drugs and alcohol before they leave for college

1 Comment

 

Sending the kids away to college can be both exciting and disconcerting. You want the best for them, but you may be worried about their safety in an environment where drugs and alcohol can seem to run rampant. While college may not live up to your worst fears, it can’t be denied that drugs and alcohol will be making their way around campus. Talking to your kids about this reality, and how to handle it responsibly, is essential for preparing them to make responsible decisions. Remember these guidelines for talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol before they leave for college.

Speak frankly.

The worst thing you can do is dance around the issue without addressing your concerns directly. You should conduct this conversation in a way that is both honest and realistic. Talk to your kids about what they can expect to encounter on campus, as well as what you expect from them. Understand that some kids will be more attracted to drugs and alcohol than others, but also that these things represent a risk for everyone. Irresponsible decisions can lead to serious consequences, and your children need to hear about this directly from you.

If your teen does end up in some alcohol-related trouble, such as a DUI, hire the services of an experienced attorney immediately. A good attorney can help your child through the legal process and focus on getting your child’s license restored, so that the child is not left without a license for an extended period. While you should make sure that your child does experience some consequences if he or she drove under the influence, a DUI attorney has the ability to limit the damage that this charge will do to your child’s job prospects after graduation, while having his or her license reinstated as quickly as possible.

drugs and alcoholTry to relate to your children.

Generational gaps can be difficult to bridge, but remember that you were once the same age as your kids, and you went through similar life changes. Talk about your own experiences from youth, and relate the consequences that you faced. Tell them about the things you saw and experienced during your youth. You need to make your children aware that you understand what they’re going through. Remind them that you’re not out of touch, and that you speak from real life experience.

Some kids are hesitant to talk to their parents about drugs and alcohol because they fear being punished, so be sure to let your kids know that they can talk to you about these things. They need to know that you’re around to help them through this period of change; this is a time that can be very difficult for kids, after all. Keep the lines of communication open. Try to teach your kids to make responsible decisions, but remind them that they can talk to you about anything.

Stress the college policies on drugs and alcohol.

Remember that schools have their own policies on drugs and alcohol, and bring this up with your children. Look over school policies on alcohol use and abuse, as well as the consequence that may face students who break the rules. When an infraction could result in academic probation, revocation of scholarships or other consequences, the reality of this situation may become clearer. Remind your kids that there is always plenty of good clean fun to be had in college, and they don’t need to break college rules to have a good time.

Drugs and alcohol are everywhere today. Centers for rehab in Los Angeles and cities all over the country are constantly in the news, and college substance abuse problems are more prevalent than ever. No college campus is exempt from the risk of drugs and alcohol, and parents need to communicate about this issue with their children in order to ensure a bright future for them.