All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

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.

 _________

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.

 __________

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. 

college guidance, college planning, Uncategorized

High School Students Test Drive College

 

Here is an excellent program designed by the Columbus College of Art and Design that offers students the opportunity to test drive college courses related to their interests. Sounds like a great idea!

___________________

COLUMBUS, Ohio (February 25, 2013) – Deciding on a college is one of the most important decisions teenagers and their parents will make. This is especially true when considering an art and design school because of the focused curriculum.

college previewFortunately, before teens make this investment in their future, they can take a test drive of a potential college, career and often a new part of the country. Columbus College of Art & Design offers students entering grades 10 to 12 in the fall a three-week college emersion experience in art and design with the College PreView program.

“I knew I wanted to pursue art, but hadn’t chosen a college or area of study, “ said Lillie Templeton, who traveled hundreds of miles from her home in Wadesboro, N.C. to attend CCAD’s College PreView the summer before her high school junior year. “It was a great experience, helping confirm my desire for an fine arts education, exposing me to different majors and giving me ideas for possible career opportunities.”

Teens live in CCAD residence halls, take classes taught by college faculty, meet professional artists, exhibit their work, explore Columbus and its art scene and have an option of extending their experience with an excursion to New York art galleries. They learn about everything from fashion and interior design to advertising and graphic design and animation to photography. Students earn three college credits for participating in the program.

CCAD also offers a Discovery Club for those entering grades 7 through 10. Students explore their creative self in a fast-paced, weeklong residential art camp. Starting their artistic journey early allows them to make even better college and career choices.

Students and parents interested in learning more about College PreView or Discovery Club can visit www.ccad.edu/ce/cp. Photos from the programs can be viewed and downloaded at http://flickr.com/gp/77678141@N07/SDeuA2/

 ______________________

ABOUT CCAD

Columbus College of Art & Design, founded in 1879, is one of the oldest and largest private art and design colleges in the United States with 1,350 undergraduate and graduate students. CCAD offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Fine Arts. Undergraduate students choose from nine majors: photography, industrial design, advertising and graphic design, animation, illustration, fine arts, fashion design, interior design and cinematic arts. www.ccad.edu

admissions, college guidance, college planning, websites

Online college resources for parents

7 Comments

 

Recently, I prepared a list of what I believe to be invaluable college resources for parents online. I’ve found these resources to be helpful during the college admissions process and can vouch for the quality of the information they provide. This is not an all-inclusive list, but some of my favorite go-to resources. After all…”we get by with a little help from our friends”.

Youtube

Researching Colleges
SAT Prep tips
90 second videos to help students and parents with admissions
College Auditions
Tips for students who will be auditioning for an arts (music, theater) college

Parent help sites

Student Advisor
Guides and an App to help parents with the admissions process
University Parent
A comprehensive site for parents with tips and guides

Blogs

Dr. Strange College
A parent’s perspective step by step through the college journey
The College Solution by Lynn O’Shaughnessy
Info on admissions, aid, and great advice on how to choose the right college
Admissions Game
Comprehensive info for parents and students with Q&A available
SAT Tutoring Blog
Tips from the writer of “Outsmarting the SAT”

Tutoring

ADHD tutoring-Jennifer Cohen
If your student is ADD/ADHD this is the BEST tutoring available
Quincy tutoring network
Network of tutors to help in school
Hoot.me
Use facebook to connect with other students and get help with homework

Sat prep

Bell Curves
Exceptional SAT/ACT prep company focusing on diversity with integrity
Word Nerd
The BEST way to study SAT vocabulary in preparation for the test
Revolution Prep
Hosts a tutoring season on Facebook–giving great tips

College searching

Student Advisor
Offers free guides for parents and students on all college topics
The College Board
Great site for students to begin their college search
College Prowler
by students for students–info on college campuses to help with the college search
College Application Wizard
Plan and organize your college search

College visits

Smart college visit
Plan your trip, book your travel, get insight about college visits
Join Parent Advocate program to get/give expert advice
Welcome to College
Find schools, review the school info, read and give peer reviews and even schedule and keep track of visits
College Week Live
A virtual college fair where students can talk to other students and admissions counselors online

Scholarships

Zinch
Cappex
Fastweb
How to win college scholarships
Scholarships 360

Admissions

CollegeData
Gives parents and students help with choices, admissions tracking, and percentages to gauge admissions
College Navigator
Stats on colleges for parents and students to compare cost, aid awarded, acceptance rates and export results into a spreadsheet
Ask a question about college
Type your question in the box and get answers from experts
Unigo
Advice from college experts and students with a Q&A platform

Financial Aid

College Affordability and Transparency Center
FinAid
College Money Insider
The best info on loans, repayment, and financial aid advice
College Financial Aid Advisor
Help for parents and students with the FAFSA and finding financial aid

College Recruiting

NCSA Sports
Learn about the college recruiting process and how it works
Be Recruited
Register and get in touch with coaches and recruiters

College Tax Tips

College Tax Guides
Bone up on all the tax information you need to know about college-related expenses.

College related chats on Twitter

#campuschat
#collegechat
#collegecash
#collegebound
campus security, college housing, parenting

5 College safety tips for women

2 Comments

 

college safety for womenCollege can be an adventurous, validating and exiting time in a young woman’s life. Unfortunately, there are predators out there that put many of these young women’s innocence and lives in danger. According to statistics, college women are most in danger of being sexually assaulted or raped – up to 20% more likely. The numbers are staggering and college women are far more susceptible than other women in our society. While this is a sad and heartbreaking truth, there are a number of ways that women can stay safe and protect themselves. One of the best ways to do this is to be less vulnerable as possible and to be completely aware at all times. Here are 5 college safety tips for women.

  1. Always be prepared. It might be smart to take classes in self-defense. In many communities there are basic combat training programs that can teach a young woman what to do in the frightening instance that someone is trying to attack them. They will learn how to preform chokeholds, assault prevention tactics, and even learn how to use certain common items, like car keys as weapons. It might also be smart for young women to carry pepper stray in their purses.
  2. Always travel with one or two other people. If you are at a party, make sure to walk home with a friend or two. Or ask someone that you can trust to take you home, either by walking or by car. Most incidents of attacks and sexual assaults happen to women who are walking home at night, alone.
  3. Always be alert. If you are walking home alone and it is getting dark, be extremely aware of your surroundings. If you hear a sound or if you think someone is following you, immediately call the police or have your phone ready to dial 911. If you do get attacked, at least the police will be on the way to protect you and apprehend the suspect.
  4. Always keep an eye on your drink if you are out at a party or a bar. There are too many instances where a young college woman will be at a party, goes to the restroom and leaves her drink unattended. This can make you highly susceptible to a date rape scenario, because there are people just waiting to drug your drink in order to render you incapacitated. It can be extremely frightening for a young woman to wake up in completely unfamiliar surroundings and not know how she got there or if she has been taken advantage of. Go to a hospital immediately if this happens so that you don’t destroy evidence that can be used against your attacker and be sure to mention you have Florida health insurance or health insurance from any other state and you believe you have been attacked,
  5. Lastly, don’t ever be afraid to call the campus police to escort you back to your apartment or dorm room. It is always better to be completely safe, than sorry in the instance that you are out late and need to walk home in the dark. You’ll thank yourself when you are safe and sound in your room.
dorm life

5 Common dorm life issues

1 Comment

 

dorm life issuesDuring your first or second year of college you will undoubtedly be living in student housing – in a small cramped room with a roommate you will be forced to get to know. However, it isn’t all bad: you can learn a lot from your roommate, you get to decorate your room according to your own personal taste and you will have a lot more freedom than if you were living at your parent’s house. Yet, there might be some issues that you should know about before you move in.

Here are 5 common dorm life issues:

  1. One of the biggest dorm life issues is cleanliness. Most of the time it is an issue of clutter, but sometimes it can be an issue of germs too. You might have a roommate that just can’t organize their side of the room and it is inching closer and closer to yours. There might be dirty socks and underwear not put in a hamper – either yours or your roommates. You might also have plates and cups covered in old food. Because a dorm room is so small it is easy for it to get messy and unorganized, so it is important to take measures every day to keep it clean.
  2. You might also have a roommate you don’t get along with. This can be incredibly frustrating, because you will have to live within ten feet of this person for up to a year or more. There are a number of ways to rectify this situation, like having a set of rules or guidelines. If it gets so bad that there is no solution for peace in sight, you can always discuss the problem with the dorm resident assistance and/or request a room change and more often than not they will find someone else that fits.
  3. Another common issue is privacy. When you are sharing a room with someone in a hall with dozens of other students, you will no doubt run into a situation where someone accidently walks into your room, or your roommate walks in, without knocking. College can be a time of a lot of exploration so this can end up being a bigger issue than you think. However, there are a number of preventative measures you can take to let people know you want some private time, like putting something on the door handle or developing a schedule system with your roommate.
  4. There is also the issue of a dorm room being too unbearably hot or cold. In the summer time, colleges might run the AC system at full blast, which can end up being incredibly uncomfortable, especially at night when it is too cold to sleep. The same goes in the winter, when the heat is on full blast. A good way to prevent this is to have the college contact HVAC services so they can control the temperature in the room.
  5. Lastly, mold can be another big issue. Because many dorm rooms are small with not a lot of ventilation, mold spores can start to grow and cause some nasty health problems. If you notice mold around the vents or in the dorm showers, let the dorm RA know so that the administration can correct the problem.
college planning, parenting

5 Great discounts for college students

 

student discountsThere are many benefits to continuing academic studies, difficult as it may be. The long term payoffs are obvious, but there are several ways young adults can use their status as college students to make their lives easier in the present. Businesses everywhere understand the difficulties of managing finances during college, and many offer discounts to students. Discounts for college students like these can be a boon to any college student, especially in a rough economy where money is tight.

  1. Tech Benefits
    Going to school without a computer today is feasible, but some would consider it academic suicide. Students need access to current technology in order to get ahead in school, and computer manufacturers understand this fact as well as anyone else. Many leading companies offer competitive discounts on their computers and other tech products. Students can save hundreds of dollars on computers from Apple, Sony and other leading brands by inquiring about discounts. Students who purchase directly from Microsoft can get the Office Academic suite at a greatly discounted price. All students should take advantage of these offers.
  2. Cell Phone Contracts
    It can be difficult to keep up with cell phone bills, especially in an era of data plans that are driving up rates across the board. Luckily, student discounts can help alleviate this strain. Almost all major cell phone service providers offer a student discount, and many customers may be eligible for these benefits depending on their schools. T-Mobile offers discounted rates to students registered with StudentRate.com, and other companies offer discounts based on school affiliations. Everyone should be sure to inquire about student discounts on cell phone service.
  3. Auto Insurance
    The student driver has an especially difficult life. Dealing with campus parking and sky high gas prices would be enough, but insurance compounds the problem significantly for students and parents alike. However, doing well in school can be its own reward in this case. Most auto insurance providers offer a good student discount. By sending transcripts and reports of good academic performance to auto insurance providers, students and their parents can get greatly discounted monthly rates.
  4. Entertainment and Education
    Students can’t spend every waking moment of their lives in the libraries and lecture halls, but fortunately there are plenty of discounts available for experiences that can be both fun and educational. Almost all movie theaters offer a special discounted price for students. Museums usually have similar offers as well, often granting students free admission. Students who are interested in music, dance and theater can also get discounted prices on admission to exciting concerts and shows. Students should always inquire about discounts like these before paying full price.
  5. Shopping
    When shopping for school supplies, students can benefit from visiting local retailers and inquiring about discounts. Art students, for example, are often offered discounts on their expensive supplies when they visit shops and supply stores near their schools. Plenty more information about free items and student discounts can be found here and all over the web. No student should ever go shopping without this knowledge. Discounts like these can make any students life a whole lot easier.

 

college planning, dorm life

Organizing and packing for college

 

packing for collegeOne of the most exciting times in any young person’s life is right before they head off for their freshman year in college. For many, it is their first time living on their own on a college campus and that means figuring out how to live independently of their parents’ daily assistance.

So, as you’re helping to get your kids get organized and packed up for college, we wanted to provide you with five handy tips that can help you to help them make the process as easy as possible. Check these tips that will help while packing for college:

  1. Prioritize. There aren’t many dorm rooms that have a ton of space and even fewer that won’t require your child to have a roommate (especially their first year there). So, one of the first things that they must do is decide what absolutely must go with them and what can stay at home. When it comes to things like clothes, remind them that they can always come home during a break or holiday vacation to swap out items based on the seasons of the year.
  2. Purchase what can’t easily be bought there. Piling up on things like toiletries and food doesn’t make a whole lot of sense; those items can be easily purchased at a local grocery store or oftentimes, even on campus. Instead, focus on buying things like bedding, a mini-refrigerator, a laptop and any other items that they will absolutely need and would prefer not to share.
  3. Speak with the roommate. Encourage them to discuss ahead of time with their roommate who is going to bring things like a television, a mini-frig, an iron and ironing board, a microwave and cleaning supplies for the room. In many cases, it just takes up more space than is necessary to have duplicated items in one small space. If for whatever reason, the roommate is not willing to share, then make a quick Target or Wal-Mart run with them in between helping your child to unpack their things.
  4. Don’t buy in bulk. While providing for an entire household, buying in bulk is oftentimes a good idea. But, when purchasing things like laundry and cleaning supplies for one student in one dorm room, it can prove to be a waste of money and space. So, get big boxes or bottles of things rather than purchasing in bulk. If they use the items wisely, it can last them for months at a time.
  5. Pack smart. When it comes to packing up things like clothes, dishware (or plastic ware) and miscellaneous items (such as a First-Aid kit, mattress pad, hangers and laundry supplies), although you could pack everything up in some eco-friendly storage boxes and then put some adhesive labels on them, don’t forget that you can also be a bit more creative. A couple of ottomans are ideal for putting things into, plus your child can later use them as extra storage space/seat for their dorm room. You can also go to the Container Store to get storage cubicles. You can unpack all of the items that you put in them to transport to school and then place them under their bed until they need them again at the end of the semester.
parenting

How to help your student overcome body image issues

 

body imageNegative body image issues can lead to frightening pathological and psychological conditions like anorexia nervosa and bulimia, which can subsequently lead to a whole host of negative health effects. There are over 10 million female college students and over 8 million male college students with eating disorders. Due to the burdens of college, being away from home, stress and other factors, college students are even more susceptible to developing negative body issues. They might even put on weight from increased levels of stress, which can send students even further down a negative path and can effect both their grades and well-being. How can you help your college student overcome body image issues?

Determine the source of the problem

One of the best ways to help your student overcome their negative body issues is to find the source of the problem. Usually the source lies in a number of external circumstances contributed to the stresses of college, like waiting to the last minute to study for an exam or keeping a bad grade a secret. In most cases, these stresses can become internalized and will result in a negative self-image. However, by working with them to manage their stress, it can greatly reduce their body image issues.

Get them some help

You can also find them a psychologist near their school or perhaps even the college has a therapist they can speak to on a regular basis. Many young men and women need a therapist while they are in college to work through their stress. Because stress can cause students to gain weight, it can also make their body issues that much worse. Researchers say that students perform better in school if they have some sort of counselor to work with them through their stress while in college.

Take drastic measures if necessary

Next, if your child is showing signs of an eating disorder that is affecting their health, it is recommended that you admit them into an in-patient program at a hospital or a clinic. This can be the best way to save their lives, because eating disorders can be deadly. Usually, your college student will wait until it’s too late to share with friends and family that their body image issues have gotten so out of hand that they can barely take care of themselves and is effecting their health negatively. They might show signs that they are hording food, binging or not even eating at all, which can lead to a number of negative health effects and even death.

In the end, if your college student is always talking about their weight or asking about cosmetic surgery like cosmetic jaw surgery, because they have become obsessed with their appearance, these can be signs that they have developed some sort of pathological body image issue. You can get to the root of the problem before it gets out of hand, you can have them get help from a psychologist or a counselor at school, or even have them admitted to a clinic or in-patient program if their body image issues have turned into an eating disorder. Early intervention is the key to helping your student overcome this unhealthy behavior.

admissions, college guidance, college planning

Top 10 Video Application Dos and Don’ts

 

college video application

With the mountain of applications colleges receive, the challenge is for students to find a way to stand out.  A video essay is a dynamic new way to make your application gleam.  It’s a chance to deliver a message via a video application about who you are, and to make an impact as your personal statement plays out on an admissions officer’s laptop.

1. Watch other students’ videos

What makes for a great application video?  To find out, spend some time viewing other students work.  You’ll see various video “genres,” songs and raps, poems and performances, animation and “slices of my life.”  Watch analytically. When you see a video you like, ask yourself what makes it work.  Think about the ones that don’t work too – you can learn as much from misses as from hits. Consider what an applicant communicates, and notice the camera work, music, editing and pacing.  You’ll see that some of the best videos are very simple, often shot in one place with a webcam.

2. Say something meaningful about yourself

This is a chance to transcend your numbers and to tell colleges something you feel is important about yourself.  Consider what abilities, qualities or talents you want to convey.  Be genuine. Follow your heart and your imagination.

3. Make it memorable

Find a hook, an angle, or something unique.  This doesn’t mean being fancy or gimmicky, but distinctive.  As with a written essay, you want your video to stick in an admissions officer’s head. Think about videos you’ve watched. Which do you remember a day or a week later?  Understanding what made them memorable can help you make yours stand out from the pack.

4. Have a script or shooting plan

Unless you’re doing a webcam rap, you will need a script or shooting plan. You can deviate from it on “the set” – sometimes great ideas come on the fly – but having a game plan will help you stay focused and on track.

5. Communicate clearly

If you are appearing on camera, rehearse what you are going to say.  Try to relax.  Doing a number of takes will help loosen you up, and will also give you more options when you edit.  Smile, take your time, and speak clearly and naturally.

6. Don’t have testimonials from people saying how wonderful you are

Not even President Obama!  Colleges are not interested in hearing your coach, teachers, or best friends sing your praises.  They want to hear from you.

7. Don’t make a “laundry list”

Some students think that they will sound interesting and impressive if they show off everything they’ve done since they were out of diapers.  The problem with this approach is that it can have an impersonal quality – by focusing on all the stuff you do, you the person gets lost.  Yes, “laundry list” videos often display an impressive range of activities and abilities, but they focus on the outer, not the inner self.  And colleges already know what you do from your transcript and brag sheet.

8. Don’t upload without getting feedback

Show drafts of your video to other people and get feedback. Is your voice clear over the music?  Does the pacing work?   Do people “get it?”  Your video will become stronger as you cut and fine tune.

9. Don’t forget to show your face

A common mistake is shooting too far from the subject (you).  If you’re small on screen, you’re harder to see and hear.  Being close on a person’s face helps convey their emotions.  Let them see into your eyes!  Close ups will help an admissions officer connect with you.

10. Don’t make a video longer than one or two minutes, max!

Admissions officers are far too busy to look at anything longer.  The last thing you want is for someone to get bored, glance at his watch, and turn you off in the middle of “Here’s what I plan to do with my life.”

As with your college essay, making a great video takes time and thought, but doing so may help give you that extra edge at Top Choice U.

Here are some great video essays to get your inspired:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLykpU6r2CI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgVOLepuVSU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJnf7zw_30Q     

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky52SUPUjPY

 ___________________

 Max Kiefer and Rosa Wolfe are filmmakers and authors of How to Make a Winning College Application Video Essay: Everything You Need to Know from Idea to Upload   Their website www.ThisIsMeVideo.com  is a place where students can learn about making application videos.