All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

parenting, social networks

The benefits of blogging in college

 

bloggingMost students have their hands full with attending class, completing homework, writing essays, and studying for tests. Some also have to contend with part-time jobs to support themselves, at least in part, during their time on campus, or they want to take on internships as a way to gain some experience and network with those in their industry of choice. And with any free time that’s left over, many want to pursue their social lives or get a few hours of much-needed rest.

But there is one other activity that students should consider adding to their roster if they want to do all they can during their time in college to prepare for a career–that task is writing a blog. As a parent you may wonder why you should encourage your students to tackle this seemingly non-essential undertaking, but there are a few reasons why spending a little time blogging in college is a great move for the future.

An online presence

Consider that in this day and age, hiring agents don’t stop at performing an interview and checking listed references before offering a job to an applicant (i.e. your student). Nearly everyone now goes online to see what they can find out about prospective candidates. This means they will review any public profiles on social networking sites like Facebook, Google+, and so on, not to mention running a Google search. What they’re looking for is an indication as to whether or not your student (or more likely, your recent grad) will make a good employee. For this reason you should warn your kids about the dangers of having public profiles (unless they are professional in nature). But you might also push them to create a blog related to the industry they’re interested in joining.

A virtual resume

A blog can become a virtual resume, one that demonstrates a student’s knowledge of and passion for the career they’re interested in. With careful planning it can serve to portray a student as an expert, exhibiting what they have learned and how they have applied that knowledge, showing their intuition and ability. It allows them to express insights and opinions in a constructive manner. And if they’re penning blog posts with the thought in the back of their mind that entries may one day be seen by prospective employers, they’re bound to put in their best effort and create something that showcases their writing skills, reason, and creativity. Of course, blogging can also help students to increase their knowledge base and solidify their own positions, both learning and teaching as they go. And it can show their skill with layout and design, as well as their ability to engage in optimization if they decide to use SEO for ranking purposes.

Beneficial for networking

However, a blog can also serve other useful purposes. It can help students to become part of an online community, and it doing so, to network with industry peers. This can offer not only the ability to seek advice in order to improve an online operation, but potentially the opportunity for collaborations and even employment down the line.

The average student is unlikely to hire a professional firm like FireBubble.co.uk to help them brand their blog and gain popularity, but any college kid can benefit from creating a basic blog and using it to demonstrate their talents. This is just one great way to prove to prospective employers that they have more to offer than other applicants.

college guidance, college planning, parenting

Preparing your kids for college this year

 

“You will ever remember that all the end of study is to make you a good man and a useful citizen.”
― John Adams

college prepWhen the kids go off to college it can be a stressful time – both for them and their parents. Despite the inevitable emotional wrench, managing the transition by making sure that everyone is well-informed and all the necessary preparations have been completed will ensure a smooth-running process that results in a lifetime of memorable experiences.

Academic preparations

Kids who have a specific career goal in mind will need to make sure that they choose the right type of college for them as well as the right course. Find out in advance what the academic requirements are for their chosen course and ensure that they are able to meet these requirements. A vocational career might require them to attend a technical college rather than an academic college to ensure that they are heading in the right direction.

Getting the right result for the SAT is also essential. SAT prep courses are a good way to ensure that the candidate is ready and there are plenty of different test prep program options, so it should be easy to find the right one.

When making college applications it is important to have all the right information in place. This includes high school transcripts, the college admissions test scores, any letters of recommendation and AP exam scores.

Financial preparations

Finances can be a minefield for both parent and student. There are so many expenses to be taken into consideration that it can be difficult to know where to begin. Tuition fees, living expenses, books, food and money in the pocket soon begin to add up. For many parents it will be necessary to begin saving early on in the child’s life, long before college is even considered by the child. Most states offer savings plans for colleges that come with tax benefits and it is a good idea to look into the possibility of scholarships. It is possible to file online for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Taxes will need to be prepared early to ensure that an application can be processed. These applications can be made any time between January 1st and June 30th.

Kids will need to learn how to manage their own finances while they are away at college. When they are still living at home it is a good idea for them to have a checking account and learn how to look at how they spend their money. Encouraging them to save during their teenage years will help them a great deal and teach them how important it is to look after their money.

Domestic preparations

Going off to college is not simply a question of packing a suitcase. These days, young people need all kinds of paraphernalia to see them through their time at college. Items such as a TV, DVD player, computer, microwave and even a refrigerator may all be needed. This is before daily essentials such as bedding and clothes are added into the equation. Working out a list in advance is a good idea as it means that nothing will be forgotten when the time comes to move to college.

college guidance, parenting

5 relaxing activities for college students

 

college-activities-580x385When you send your kids off to college, you know they’re going to have some fun. And you can’t blame them. After all, they are working hard to earn a degree, so it only makes sense that they would play hard in their off-time. Plus, they’re away from your supervision for the first time, and the thrill of making their own decisions (and having no curfew or rules) can lead to a lot of late nights out with their friends. At some point, though, their hard partying might get the best of them, leaving them fatigued, ill, and unable to perform their duties as a student. In this case, you might want to suggest some activities that could not only be fun for them, but also more relaxing. Here are just a few relaxing activities for college students that will ensure they have a great time without compromising their education in the process.

  1. Learn an instrument. Most students are already learning a lot thanks to their heavy course load, but taking up an instrument is an entirely different beast. Playing music forces the mind to switch gears, which can lead to increased focus and calm. It can drive away the clamor produced by cramming one’s head full of new facts and help students to release some tension, forget their worries, and get back to a healthy mental state.
  2. Host a movie night. Having fun with friends doesn’t have to include running around all night or getting crazy. Sometimes a night in the common room with popcorn or pizza and a few good movies is just what the doctor ordered.
  3. Play a team sport. This might not sound like a particularly relaxing activity, but the truth is that exercise can help to relieve stress and boost endorphins, making students feel great. This can be even more effective when playing a sport like baseball or doubles tennis, which can be relaxing and still boost endorphins. Think about whether or not you want to buy a new baseball bat or glove and join a team or maybe catch a doubles game of tennis. It can also help to induce a good night’s sleep, which pretty much any college kid could use. In addition, it allows students to spend quality time with their friends away from the books and the parties. In short, sports could be the most positive and beneficial activity your kids partake of on campus (well, aside from attending classes, studying, and ultimately earning a degree).
  4. Create online scrapbooks. Family and friends back home want to stay apprised of what students are up to when they go away to college, but most kids don’t have a ton of extra time to call and Skype with everyone they know. However, smartphones and tablets make it easy for students to keep photo journals of their campus experience, and all they have to do is upload them to a social networking account like Instagram or Facebook in order to share. Of course, they can also have a little more fun with the process by using Pinterest to create pinboards for specific events like spring break, sporting events, and clubs they’ve joined, just for example.
  5. Picnic on the quad. Students spend so much time running back and forth across campus to get to class that they might never take the time to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. So instead of spending their study time indoors, they could load up a picnic basket for lunch on the quad. Or if they really want to relax, they could leave the books for an hour or two and enjoy a long lunch (and maybe some frisbee) with friends.

Relaxing is just as important for college students as it is for adults. Relaxation relieves stress and allows your student an opportunity to recharge.

college guidance, college planning

How to avoid impulse spending in college

 

spend money

One of the best things about being in college is that it’s a time to learn what it’s like to be on your own. College is when you learn the most about how to manage your time, to be focused on your schoolwork and also be smart about your money. However, the tricky thing about having all of that freedom is that you can easily be tempted into not making the most of all of those things, especially as it relates to spending your money wisely.

But, just because the lure to be an impulsive spender may present itself, that doesn’t mean that you have to fall for the trap. If you would like some proven and effective tips on how to avoid impulse spending in college, we have five for you right here:

  1. Make out a weekly budget. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is taking on the “I’ll just wing it” mentality when it comes to spending money. If you have a budget set aside for food, gas and entertainment, that will help you to make plans that will fit into what you can afford to do.
  2. Use coupons. There used to be a time when people associated clipping coupons with something that their grandparents did. But, thanks to television programs like Extreme Couponing and mobile apps that let you download them on your phone, using coupons has become common. Shopkick, SnipSnap and Yowza are all apps that can connect you to discounts at most of your favorite stores. If you’re still feeling a little “too mature” for using them, look at it this way: coupons can save you money and they are readily available using your smartphone.
  3. Don’t always use “shopping trips” as a way to spend time with your friends. In college, there is always someone who is going to the mall or a vintage store up the street. While it’s certainly acceptable to sometimes go along with your friends (even if it is just to window shop), the reality is that after 3-4 trips, you’re probably going to want to buy something whether you need it or not. So, when the invite is extended to you, know that it’s fine to sometimes say “That’s OK. Text me when y’all get back.”
  4. Avoid payday loans. All of us have times when we find ourselves in a bit of a financial bind. But, when you do, one of the last things that you should ever consider doing is applying for a payday loan. Sure, it might seem like “quick money” but the amount of interest that you’re charged is an easy way to get into a hole of debt that can be extremely hard to get out of.
  5. Use cash. Credit card companies are pretty aggressive about trying to get college students to sign up with them, but there are many sad stories about how credit card debt ruined a lot of people’s lives. There are a lot of financial experts who encourage individuals to live by the simple motto of “If you can’t pay for it with cash, then you don’t need it.” If you follow that rule in college, in time, your bank account and credit rating will be so glad that you did.

Be wise about your spending, frugal when it comes to saving, and a smart shopper when you can use a coupon.

college guidance, college planning, parenting

5 Great virtual jobs for college students

 

virtual jobsDespite the fact that education should be the main focus of students during their time in college, many wind up having to work in order to pay their way. Even with help from parents, federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants, the expenses associated with earning a degree can require students to work if they want the privilege of attaining a higher education. As a parent, you’re likely doing everything you can to ensure that the kids in your household are able to attend college, but you still have your own bills to pay and you might not be able to carry the whole financial load. However, you don’t necessarily want your kids wasting their time and talent at minimum-wage jobs. So here are five virtual jobs for college students that could net your kids a higher salary and offer a flexible schedule, to boot.

  1. Tutor. While college students can certainly offer assistance to peers on campus by tutoring at the learning center (often for pay), they might be better off providing younger students (K-12) with academic aid via the online arena. Websites like Tutor.com, TutorVista, and SmartThinking.com, just to name a few, can give your student the opportunity to provide tutoring services while working as much or as little as they want and probably earning a lot more than they’d make on campus.
  2. Freelance writer. Any student who is accepted into college can obviously write since the essay is a big part of the admission process. And sites like ODesk, Elance, and FreelanceWritingGigs.com offer all kinds of opportunities for writing and editing jobs. Students can also check out the job board at ProBlogger.net if their real interest lies in writing content for blogs.
  3. Social media consultant. Believe it or not, college students are a valuable commodity when it comes to social networking these days. Most have grown up with computers, cell phones, the internet, and mobile service, so they are familiar with both the hardware and the social landscape. And college kids in particular have their finger on the pulse of pop culture. Consider that Facebook started as a way for college students to connect with friends. The point is that corporations looking to utilize social media as a vehicle for marketing campaigns can use both the technical know-how and the social savvy that many students harbor, and in some cases they’re willing to pay for it.
  4. Game developer. For students that love to use their programming prowess to create mini-games for fun, turning their hobby into a paying gig is not that hard. With a $99/year developer license from Apple they can start posting their mobile games to iTunes. And if they want to offer free downloads in order to boost their popularity, they can still make money through advertising and in-app purchases (like the ability to pay a one-time fee for an ad-free experience). Over time, they could make a fair amount of money, especially if rival companies want to buy the rights to their games.
  5. Virtual assistant. Most students these days enjoy rapid typing speeds thanks to a childhood spent on the computer, and if they can handle screening phone calls, fielding email correspondence, and performing data entry, chances are good they could snag a job at a virtual office in New York, Los Angeles, or anywhere in the world. The remote workforce is growing by leaps and bounds, and even students with little skill or experience can become virtual assistants.

With so much of today’s business being conducted online, finding a virtual job during college will allow you to work around your own schedule and put some extra money in your pocket.

college news, college planning, social networks

5 Useful mobile apps for college students

 

mobile appsDid you know that over 75 percent of the world’s population owns a cell phone? As a matter of fact, according to one recent article, there are more people across the globe who actually have access to a mobile service than to a toilet. So, being that over 90 percent of individuals between the ages of 18-24 have cell phones and also being that they, on average, talk on the phone close to 22 hours each month, if they’re in college, they might as well use some of that time to upload some great mobile apps.

We feel the exact same way. That’s why we’ve provided you with a list of what we feel are the five most useful mobile apps for college students:

  1. Cheap Textbooks Price Search. It’s amazing how much a new textbook can run you. Depending on the amount of hours (and the kinds of courses) that you are taking, you can easily spend $500-1,000 each semester on books. However, if you have the Cheap Textbooks Price Search app, you can easily search where you can find the best deals for both new and used textbooks.
  2. BugMe! Notes and Alarms. Between classes and study sessions, games and parties, it can definitely be challenging to keep up with all that you have going on every day. Thanks to the Bug Me! app, you don’t have to totally rely on memory or scrap pieces of paper in your book bag to do your scheduling. You can program the app to send you messages about things you need to do and when you need to do them.
  3. CalorieSmart Calorie Tracker. When you’re not eating home-cooked meals all of the time and you find yourself relying on the campus cafeteria or the fast food restaurants around the area, it’s easy to pack on more pounds than you would like. But, with the CalorieSmart Calorie Tracker, you can keep record of how many calories you consume and burn. It also has an option for you to input your personal calorie and weight loss goals.
  4. Coupons for Shopping – MobiQpons. Being in college brings a whole new meaning to “penny pinching” and when you’re trying to stay on budget, the Coupons for Shopping app comes in very handy. Once you have downloaded this app, all you have to do is put in your location and you’ll receive all kinds of coupons in your area from grocery stores and restaurants to office supply stores and even things like Protect Your Bubble Insurance . It’s a convenient way to make your dollar stretch further.
  5. CollegeTracker. College is fun, but it’s also pretty expensive. Therefore, you want to make the absolute most of the time that you have there, especially when it comes to your classes. CollegeTracker is an app that gives you the ability to store everything from your courses and professors’ names to the grades that you get in each subject. The app is so exact that it even helps you to tabulate all of your scores at the end of the semester so that you can figure out your Grade Point Average (GPA) even before your grades are sent out to you. It definitely helps you to keep focused on being a responsible college student.

These are only a few of the apps out there for college students. If you have a favorite that’s not listed, please leave a comment.

 

college costs, parenting

Cash management strategies for college-bound students

 

cash management strategiesParents hope the basic principles they instill on their kids – honesty, confidence, work ethic and compassion – will accompany them to college. After that, those life-enhancing habits that usually come through experience are just a bonus. Stable cash-management strategies are among the most elusive traits for high schoolers. While some work their first jobs in high school, college-bound students struggle with long-term budgets, disciplined spending and volunteer restraint.

Your child will learn money-management strategies one way or another. Why not start preaching disciplined financial values early? You could save her countless nights of eating ramen for dinner. Whether your pride and joy struggles with credit card spending, paying bills on time or maintaining a budget, these cash management strategies will enhance your child’s college experience.

Budgets Don’t Budge

According to Bankrate.com, 40 percent of American adults don’t have a budget. With the country drowning in debt, it’s time parents re-embrace the basics of sound personal finance. Rule number one: draft a budget. Structured spending is particularly important in college, where books, clothes, sporting events and parties threaten to suck the life out of any bank account. Whether on scholarship, working or receiving allowance from home, the ability to allot a set amount of money for life’s necessities is an invaluable skill.

Emergency Plastic

No parent wants their kids to be poor, hungry and alone at college. While such a scenario is unlikely, many react by shipping their scholars so-called “emergency” credit cards. By the time they reach their final year of college, 91 percent of students have at least one credit card, according to CBSnews.com. While you envision this card as a last resort, your child may see it as a remote portal into your wallet. If your child has a credit card, discuss the proper uses and potential consequences, such as a late-payment penalties, interest and a poor credit score.

If It’s Broke, Fix It

Experience is the best teacher. As your kid enters the next chapter of his life, maybe its time to cut off the allowance upon which he has depended. Working teaches the value of a dollar and instills a heightened sense of responsibility. According to Kansan.com, students who work part-time jobs get better grades than students who do not work. As they balance work and school, students develop time-management skills and build their resumes.

It Rains at College

The last thing a college student wants to think about is a financial safety net. After 18 years of living with parents, students relish the chance to break free of restraint, restriction and reality. Life happens in college and a savings account can be a vital safety net. Teach your child the merits of saving for a rainy day. You probably have every intention of supporting them financially in a time of need, but later in life, they’ll be on their own. Or, worse yet, they will “boomerang” home after college. Better to learn that lesson with room to fail.

admissions, college guidance, college majors, college planning

The 10 Most popular college degrees

 

college degreesCollege is meant to be one of the most important stepping stones in life. The education students receive is designed to give them knowledge, experience, and a considerable leg up on the competition. Students are expected to become masters at their professional pursuits. Yet it should be noted that not all degrees are created equal. Some of the most popular degrees create well rounded individuals that are fit for many different careers within their professional aspirations. The top ten most popular college degrees are largely proponents of this sort of developmental flexibility.

1. Business Administration:
Those who are versed in business administration are often very adept at performing a number of different tasks in the workplace. You learn how to budget, plan, direct, and manage a number of different organizations.

2. Psychology:
This degree is for the people who wonder about what makes them tick. Psychology majors learn about cognition, intelligence, emotion, and disorders. They can do everything from teaching or researching any of the incredible processes made in the human mind.

3. Nursing:
Nursing may be the strictest degree on the list. After all, if you’re looking to be a nurse, you have a good general idea of what you want to do. Helping people and assisting doctors are major draws to the job. But there is still wiggle room. There are different types of nurses (pediatric, geriatric, etc) that deal with different issues and environments.

4. Biological Science:
Biology is literally the study of life. Everything from microscopic organisms to the entire ecological landscape of the planet resides in this pursuit.

5. Education:
Those who become education majors often have creativity, patience, and compassion. Their goal is to teach and inspire the next generation. There are a number of different topics to become proficient in and teach. This major gives students the tools to become inspiring educators.

6. English Language and Literature:
Many people feel that English class was the bane of their pre-college existence. Many find themselves thoroughly enjoying this major that encourages communication and literary comprehension. This major creates new generations of writers, readers, reporters, and thinkers.

7. Economics:
Economics is the study of scarcity and choice. How and why people choose to spend their money and time. The major can deal with anything as small as the individual to as large as the entire planet’s economic structure.

8. Communications:
Communications majors are well sought out in business, public relations, and government. Why? Because they know how to spin an amazing tale and keep people enthralled. Through learning and understanding the different modes of communication, these majors prepare themselves for diverse career options down the road.

9. Political Sciences:
This isn’t just the study of a political structure. This is the study of current events and how it shapes the world. Political sciences prepare people for careers in a number of places: academia, government, and even in multinational corporations.

10. Computer and Information Sciences :

This is one of the fastest growing fields in the world today. As more and more businesses become technologically advanced, the number of people who require computer sciences majors will exponentially increase. What’s amazing is that this boom is expected in nearly every field.

Each of these degrees aim to foster a roundness in graduates that will promote overall success. After all, the aim of receiving a college education isn’t solely to become adept at retaining information. Teaching relevant knowledge isn’t the only important duty a college performs. It’s also about trying to create a student that is well versed and learned across the spectrum each degree represents. Choosing the degree that works best for you is the first action you take before leaping across to this great stepping stone of life.

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Author bio: Steve manages a college paper writing service at www.solidessay.com, which helps high school and college students with their homework assignments.

college guidance, college planning, financial aid

4 Often Overlooked Ways to Afford Higher Education

1 Comment

 

piggy bankThese days, the cost of higher education can be close to the cost of a new house, so if you’re planning to send your child or if you intend to go back yourself, you’ll need to do plenty of saving and lots of planning. Keeping spending in check is a good strategy to help save money for school, but there are several other ideas for financing education. This post will cover four sometimes-forgotten ways to afford higher education, including scholarships for military dependents, getting certification in lieu of or before getting a degree, attending classes online so you can still work while in school and going for shorter programs, like those that take a year.

  • Scholarships are available for military dependents. If one or both parents served in the military, if your spouse serves or served, or if you are a military parent looking for ways to send your child to school, don’t overlook military dependent scholarships. Ranging from a few thousand dollars to full scholarships, these aid packages aim to assist families of servicemen and women in their pursuit of higher education. There may be additional requirements for eligibility; for example, some scholarships are for students attending specific colleges or universities. Others limit eligibility to certain branches of the military or to specific ranks. 
  • Will a certification course help you reach your goals? The way to your dream career might not be via university after all. Do some research into your chosen field and you may find that, depending on the profession you plan to pursue, a certificate is the only requirement to get an entry-level job in your area of expertise, and you’ll be able to work your way up from there. Even if you know you’ll need a bachelor degree or more at some point, perhaps a certificate now would allow you to earn more money at your current job and save up for your college tuition. Certification courses are much shorter than degree programs, can often be completed after working hours or on weekends, and generally cost much less than you’d pay for a semester at a university. Also, military veteran’s scholarships will apply to many certification courses, just as they will to university tuition and fees.
  • Attend classes online so you can work at the same time. Online learning is here to stay. Advanced e-learning software and methodology makes studying for your certificate or degree over the Internet a hassle-free, timesaving option for higher education. The nature of online classes allows you to fit learning into your schedule on your own terms. While you’ll still have to pay for a quality online course, the money you’ll save by being able to earn money while you study will help offset the total cost, and you’ll also save on transportation and student housing costs. If the courses you wish to take are relatable to your current job, have a discussion with your manager or human resources department to see if your employer will be able to offset (or even, pay for) your online studies. Even if your company’s budget doesn’t extend to helping fund your courses, your manager may be able to help you arrange your schedule so you have more time to complete course work for assignment deadlines, for example.
  • Choose a series of shorter programs. Slow and steady wins the race. If financial or time constraints make pursuing a degree unattractive or impractical at this time, talk to an academic counselor about following a series of shorter programs that would eventually lead you to the degree, or the level of demonstrated experience, that you’ll need to land your dream job and embark on the career you want. Depending on your individual goals, it could be wise to first complete some certification courses and then take a series of online or night classes that will count toward a two-year degree. From there you can go on to pursue a four-year degree.

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About the Author: Kelly Novack is committed to educating individuals about the accessibility of education in the digital era. She is especially interested in distance learning tools and the growth and development of online courses in adult education.

admissions, college guidance, college planning, parenting

Helping your child choose the right college

 

prepare for college

As a parent, you may have fond memories of your college years. Perhaps you were not able to attend college and you are excited your child will have opportunities you didn’t have. You may also have strong opinions about where your child should attend college, what they should study and what type of study format the institution follows (for instance, online versus on-campus).

Ultimately, your child is the one who will have to register, attend classes, keep their grades up, graduate and translate their education into a rewarding and lucrative career. Find a balance between your opinions, and your child’s interests and goals when working together to choose a college.

Decide on a Basic Field of Study

If your child has no idea what they want to pursue for a career, then often the best choice is to locate a two-year college where your child can get their basic coursework out of the way. In the meantime, they can work with a career counselor to take skills tests and narrow down their choices to a field of study that will work for them. However, if your child knows what they want to study, then that can dictate the colleges you research.

Set Your Budget

Once you have narrowed down your child’s interest to a range of possible majors or one major, set your budget. This tells you how much you can contribute to your child’s college education and how much must be financed through loans, work-study programs, grant and bank-funding. Setting your budget means having an open and honest conversation with your child about what your budget will and won’t cover. You can discuss at this time whether your child may want to take the summers off to work and earn money toward their education, carry a part-time job while in school or other means of funding as well.

Discuss Learning Style

Another important aspect of helping your child choose the right college is to determine their learning style. Some people learn very well in a self-paced format, such as at an online institution where they can take classes around their work schedule. Other people have trouble learning unless they are in a “live” classroom setting surrounded by the interaction of others students and professors. Choosing the right learning environment will be key to your child’s college success.

Create a List of College Prospects

Once you have identified basic elements such as budget, learning style and field of study, create your list of college prospects to research. You and your child can make a spreadsheet to evaluate each college based on a series of factors important to you both. This makes it easy as well to track application and admission requirements, required fees, financial aid options and more — all will aid you in your child’s final selection.

Apply to Your Chosen Schools and Fill Out the FAFSA

Once you have narrowed down your choices to the top three to five schools, apply to each school. You will need to help your child fill out the FAFSA (Federal Application for Free Student Aid) to qualify for financial aid through the school’s financial aid office.

Visit Colleges Again

Once your child has been accepted at one or more colleges, visit these schools again if they plan to attend on campus. This way, your child can decide on the best fit in terms of school size, campus environment and other factors that will influence their decision.

By following this step-by-step process, you and your child can find the best college for their interests and budget. In the future, if they choose to apply to graduate school for a leadership degree or another program, they can use a similar process.

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About the Author: Mary Wilde is mother to three college-aged kids. She has used the techniques in this article to help each child find the perfect college for their interests, needs and goals.