All posts by Suzanne Shaffer

scholarships

These Mistakes Could Cost You That College Scholarship

scholarship

Applying for scholarships requires a commitment of time and a dedication to persevere. It is a job in the truest sense of the word. You will most likely spend hours upon hours applying for scholarships hoping the time will be rewarded with money to pay for college. But the payoff won’t come unless you take the time to apply for scholarships or if you make these five scholarship application mistakes.

1. Not following directions.

Scholarship judges look for students who know how to follow directions. If the student can’t follow the directions, the application will be immediately placed in the reject pile. If the directions ask for only three recommendations, and no more, don’t send five. If it requires students provide a transcript, don’t forget to include it. If the essay word count is specific, (i.e. no more than 500 words) stick to the word count guidelines.

Along with following the directions, always check spelling and grammar on the application itself and any essay submissions. Since many scholarships have thousands of qualified applicants, this one simple mistake can cause you to lose the scholarship.

2. Applying to the wrong scholarships.

Read the scholarship qualifications carefully. If you don’t qualify, don’t apply. Guidelines such as GPAs, specific areas of interest, specific heritage and gender require applicants who meet the criteria. Applying for these scholarships when you don’t match the qualifications is a waste of time.

3. Not personalizing your application.

Just about every scholarship asks for details related to academics, activities and future plans. But personalizing the application will make you stand out. Also, find some time to learn about the organization presenting the scholarship and find a way to include this knowledge in the application or the essay and why it might relate to you.

Research previous winners and find out what the scholarship judges found valuable in these winners. Make sure the application explains why you are the perfect applicant for this award. Be careful when copying and pasting information from previous applications. Make sure the information you provide is unique to each scholarship.

Read the original article at TeenLife Magazine: 5 Mistakes That Could Cost You That Scholarship

student loans

Borrowing Wisely for Students

 

borrowing

There are plenty of options available when the time comes for you to pick a loan. If you are a student and you need a student loan you will need to have a loan with a very low-interest rate. There are student loans that cover this and it is repayable over time, or even when you start working. The problem is if you need a loan for something else, such as for a car, or to fund a course then you may not feel as though there are many options available. You may even face charges if you are late making the payment, and this can make you feel incredibly trapped, especially if you are on a budget and trying to save money at the moment.

Borrowing on a Low Credit Rating

There is a huge difference between having poor credit and having no credit. They both however, make it difficult for you to secure a loan with a low rate. If you have no credit history then you may struggle to get a loan at all, and if you have poor credit then you may have a note against your name or you may have missed payments and this can make you difficult for a loan company to invest in. If you are young and you need to take out a loan then lenders such as Lendkey are ideal for this and they can provide you with the rate that is suitable for your situation.

Improving your Credit Rating

There are a lot of different ways for you to improve your credit rating. One of them is making sure that you are registered on the electoral roll or the corresponding register in your own country. If you are not then there is a high chance that you will not secure any credit at all. It also helps to space out any credit applications that you have. This will leave a footprint on your file and if you do happen to get rejected from one then this will make it less likely for the next lender to give you a loan. The cycle is going to carry on like this until you get accepted, which is rather unfortunate. The best way for you to get around this would be for you to apply and wait to see if you get accepted, and leave quite a bit of time between each application. You also need to make sure that you take the time and research each application properly.

If you are struggling to get your credit rating up then one idea would be for you to apply for a high-interest credit card. This is not ideal because if you are on a budget then it means that you are paying more than you should be for your interest, but it does mean that you can slowly build up your rating until you can eventually find a card that has the interest rate you’re looking for. AAACreditGuide offers credit repair reviews if this is an avenue you need to look into as well.

Your History

If you are struggling to get your credit rating up then one idea would be for you to apply for a high-interest credit card. This is not ideal because if you are on a budget then it means that you are paying more than you should be for your interest, but it does mean that you can slowly build up your rating until you can eventually find a card that has the interest rate you’re looking for. This may take time, but that is just how things work and there aren’t many other options available for you to take advantage of.

Sponsored posts, test prep

Stressed About the SAT? Relax!

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This post is sponsored and written in partnership with the College Board.

Parents of college-bound teenagers love to compare notes. They discuss college choice, essay frustration and of course, test prep. Has your son taken the SAT yet? Did he do well? Is he happy with his score? How many times is he taking it? Are you and he stressed about the test?

It’s only natural for parents to ask these questions. SAT test-related anxiety is very real. Students are stressed because they feel their entire future is riding on how well they do on the exam. Parents are stressed because their students are stressed and want them to succeed. Both parents and students often feel the anxiety is simply part of the process and there is nothing they can do to relieve it. This is not true.

With the right knowledge and preparation, anxiety can easily become a non-issue for you and your student. Three factors can help remove the stress surrounding the test and help prepare your student for the March SAT.

Perspective

Let’s face it—test scores are an important part of the college application; but the key word here is “part”. Colleges use the SAT score as a tool to evaluate the student’s readiness to attend college. However, they also use your student’s GPA, his or her essay, the quality of their academic performance, extra-curriculars and other factors. They look at the whole student—not just a test score. Keeping this top of mind should remove some of the stress and pressure.

If you want your student to feel relaxed and confident, remind him that you’re proud of the work he is doing and you have every confidence that he will succeed and get an amazing education. He is, of course, more than a test score!

Preparation

Students know that taking any test without studying or preparing can be recipe for disaster. The same rings true for  taking the SAT. The more time your student spends studying and preparing, the less anxiety he will feel on test day. Fortunately, there is  free Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy available online for every student. Your student should take advantage of these resources and allocate the time to study and prepare. It’s important to remember: preparation prevents panic and it leads to confidence and score growth!

Practice

Familiarity breeds confidence. Once you are familiar with a task, it’s easier to tackle it the second time. Practice tests are available for a reason: they help students become familiar with the test. Start the SAT prep process early and encourage your student to take the timed, realistic practice tests. When test day arrives, he can take the test with confidence.

Keep all these points in mind and you and your student will be more relaxed and confident on test day. Anxiety and stress are real, but they don’t have to be a problem when you follow these guidelines.

Don’t forget to register by February 9th for the March SAT to avoid late registration penalties.

 

book reviews

8 College Books to Fill Those Christmas Stockings

 

college books

It’s that time of year when everyone is searching online and in stores for that perfect holiday gift. Reading is one way to improve your college-bound teen’s vocabulary and the best way for you to educate yourself about the college admissions process. The holidays are a perfect time to grab some books for stocking stuffers or for a friend who has a student heading off to college in the future.

Following are my “affordable” recommendations for college books to fill those stockings or be a perfect “secret” Santa!


Getting In! College Admissions and Financial Aid in the Digital Age

Zinch (a student-focused admissions site) approaches college admissions in the digital age, addressing the issues of today’s technology and how it affects the student.

Higher Education: How Colleges are Wasting our Money and Failing our Kids–and what we can do about it!

This book by Andrew Hacker and Claudia Dreifus is a MUST read for every parent and student. It presents some alternative colleges that many may not have heard about and proposes some controversial change in higher education. You can follow their blog too!

The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only

This book is the definitive companion for every parent of a student either heading to college or already in college. Harlan Cohen speaks clearly to parents in their language, making it not only an informative read but an easy-to-read resource for parents.

College Bound and Gagged

Nancy Berk takes on the lighter side of college admissions from a parent’s perspective. In order to survive the process, you need to add a little bit of humor to the mix and Nancy does just that.

Why You’re Already a Leader 

Author Paul Hemphill shows the reader how you can be a leader even without having what some might think are traditional leadership qualities. Colleges are looking for leadership qualities in their applicants and Paul shows you how to tap into that natural ability.

Getting Wasted

No parent wants to think that their student will head off to college and spend their time partying; but the sad facts indicate that the college culture encourages it. This book shows that college itself encourages these drinking patterns and is one more example of the dark side of campus life. Parents and students should read this book.

Debt-Free U

Armed with his personal knowledge, the latest data, and smart analysis, Zac Bissonnette takes on the sacred cows of the higher education establishment. He reveals why a lot of the conventional wisdom about choosing and financing college is not only wrong but hazardous to you and your child’s financial future.

Secrets of a Financial Aid Pro

With insight and humor, Jodi Okun takes you inside the often murky world of paying for college. Learn how to find and apply for every type of financial aid, including FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and loans. Find out how to give your student the financial skills they’ll need for life–it all starts in college by helping them manage expenses and money.

essays

An Essay Push for Winter Break

 

essayIt’s coming on Christmas
They’re cutting down trees
They’re putting up reindeer
And singing songs of joy and peace
Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on

Some parents out there might be feeling this song right about now. Like Joni Mitchell, they “wish they had a river to skate away on.” Regular decision deadlines are approaching, and your student still hasn’t finished her essay. She is stumped, and you don’t know how to help.

Essays are possibly the most stressful part of the college application. The essay is the “window into your soul” for the admissions officer. There’s a reason why colleges ask for essays and it’s not just to see a writing sample. With thousands of applicants possessing similar qualifications, something must tip the scales toward a positive decision and the essay could be the tipping point.

While content is certainly important, the tone and focus of the essay are equally important. If your student is stumped and can’t seem to move past the first paragraph, this list of 10 “don’ts” might help her move forward toward completion.

  1. DON’T write about controversial subjects.

The essays are not the place to take a stand on a personal issue, unless that issue has shaped who you are. It can be tempting to discuss attention-grabbing hot topics, but doing so can have consequences. Controversial topics are contentious for a reason. And while some on a review board may applaud such a choice of essay, others might not find it appropriate for students entering their institution, even if it catches their attention.

  1. DON’T focus on what you want to do, but on what you have already done.

How have you gone above and beyond? What is your scholarly niche? What have you done that can show admissions officers who you are and why you have accomplished your goals. The best topics for college essays allow you to tout an accomplishment.

  1. DON’T be a generalist, make it personal.

Colleges and universities aren’t looking for well-rounded students, they are looking for a well- rounded student body. Show them where you stand out and how you complement the mix they are going for. Talk about what you love and find a way to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Admissions officers want to know who you are and what you can contribute to their college student body.

  1. DON’T use “SAT words.”

Admissions officers are unimpressed by those trying to show off their vocabulary, they much prefer clear, concise essays.

  1. DON’T use clichés.

Clichés are the quickest way to come across as inauthentic and unexceptional. What is a cliche? Phrases like “time will tell” and “alls well that ends well” are cliches.

For the last 5 don’t’s, read the original article I wrote for TeenLife Media: Don’t Make These 10 College Essay Mistakes.

student loans

Get a College Education Without the Dreaded Debt

 

debt

The thought that crosses every students mind is the dreaded debt they will inevitably find themselves in years and years down the line. It seems that students are now facing an uphill battle when it comes to their student loan debt. You will struggle to get a credible job without the relevant qualifications, which means at some point you’re going to need to go and study at college. Unfortunately, college fees do not come cheap. Many people have to boycott college altogether because they simply can’t afford it. It’s such a shame that many youngsters have to miss out on getting the best education because money is short. If you are lucky enough to get into your chosen subject of education, here are a few pointers which will help you to avoid the dreaded debt.

Social Butterfly Without the Burden

You’ve gotten into the college of your dreams and you can’t wait to make new friends and memories, but you’re a little worried about your budget. You are not alone. Every single person is worried. Socializing at college doesn’t have to be super expensive. There are several ways in which you can save money and still have a great time. Join loyalty schemes and get to know which bars and restaurant your campus is associated with. The chances are you will be able to get discounts all year round, which means cheap drinks and food whenever you and your friends go out. Change up how you socialize with your friends too. Spend more time around people’s places instead of going out and hold movie nights instead of taking a trip out to see the latest blockbuster.

Room and Board Can Cost A Little

Room and board costs can stump a lot of students. Seriously, how can it cost so much to live in a pitiful little room with no bathroom? If you haven’t already thought about it, maybe you could consider online education to save yourself a lot of money. Partaking in an online bsw, for example, would allow you to stay at home and would cut your student debt almost completely. By opting to be educated virtually you wouldn’t be overburdened with outrageous costs, but keep in mind you need to be super motivated in order to get a degree from an online format.

Save, Save, Save

Before your further education suddenly hits you like a brick wall you should consider saving up some cash so you have got a head start. The summer before you’re due to head off to college you should definitely consider getting a job. It will not only give you a boost to buy all of the things you’ll need when you’re first moving away, but it will also motivate you to earn some money whilst you’re getting your education. Many students find it useful to take on a part-time job whilst they’re studying. It will ease the burden much more in the future.

So take these points into consideration if you’re due to start your higher education. Maybe you have a younger sibling who is ready to go to college and you want them to learn from your mistakes. Let’s start imparting our wisdom on others and stop the vicious cycle of student debt!

admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

A College To-Do List for Your High School Junior

 

high school junior

The fall semester is coming to a close. By now, your high school junior should be concentrating on college choice, preparing for the SAT or ACT, and working on the college essay. I’m sure it’s already starting to become a little overwhelming: so many tasks, so little time. But the winter break is a great time to play a little catchup if you’re lagging behind.

Juniors who aspire to college have much on their mind. Making a college list can seem insurmountable. There are so many choices; how do you know which ones are a good fit? If money is a factor, how do you even know what kind of financial aid you can expect to receive if you apply? What are the colleges looking for in an applicant and do you even meet those qualifications? The list of unknowns can cause a good amount of stress for both parents and students.

Take a few minutes to go over this simple to-do list with your high school junior. Discuss what you can help him with and what he should be focusing on over the break. Breaking these down into small tasks should help, doing the ones that need to be completed first and following with the rest.

Are you tackling these items yet?

  1. Thinking about basic college criteria.
  2. Figuring out how to organize everything.
  3. Setting aside time to visit the colleges.
  4. Figuring out a test strategy.
  5. Keeping focused on academics.
  6. Working on the college essay.
  7. Getting serious about scholarships.
  8. Scheduling regular checkups to evaluate progress.

 

For the details on how to complete these tasks, you can read the original article at TeenLife Magazine: Share This College To-Do List With Your High School Junior.

Uncategorized

Using Statistics to Find Your College Fit

 

statistics

You might be surprised to know that in addition to all the factors students use to choose a college, there is one they might overlook: statistics. While location, major, campus appeal, and others are certainly important statistics will help you and your student make a more informed college choice.

Why statistics? Statistics will help you determine some of the key factors involved in choosing a college. With statistics you increase the odds of your student being accepted, receiving more financial aid, and graduating on time. You can also determine the class sizes, the freshman retention rate and the odds of finding a job after graduation.

Two good sources for college statistics are College Navigator and College Data. These two resources will help you make an informed college choice. Numbers aren’t everything, but consider these eight important stats when you and your student are looking at schools:

  1. Rankings (simply as a baseline for comparison)
  2. Financial aid percentages
  3. Acceptance rates
  4. Student-to-professor ratios
  5. Freshman retention rates
  6. Graduation rates
  7. Student indebtedness
  8. Percentage of student who are employed after graduation

For an in-depth review of each statistic and what they mean, read my original article at TeenLife Magazine: 8 College Stats That Will Help You Find the Right School.

scholarships

4 Scholarships for Thanksgiving Break

 

scholarshipsIt’s that time of year when we gather around the table and give thanks. What could make you more thankful than your student winning a scholarship for college?

Here are four scholarships your student can devote some time to over Thanksgiving break. You might not find them on a scholarship search engine which means . . . drum roll . . . fewer applicants!

Student Side Hustlers Scholarship Program from Study Soup

StudySoup just launched a Student Side Hustlers Scholarship program. This is a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to one student entrepreneur who has demonstrated initiative, perseverance, and a little creativity to set up a side business as a way of bringing in extra income while still in school. It doesn’t matter if they’ve made $100 or $10,000…if they’re an up and coming entrepreneur, we want to hear from them!

Who is eligible:
Any individual at least sixteen (16) years old who meets one of the following criteria:

  • Currently attending high school
  • Currently attending an accredited university or college (undergraduate and graduate students are both eligible)

How to apply:
Follow this link to the scholarship application: https://studysoup.com/scholarships/student-side-hustler

Full information on eligibility as well as terms and conditions can also be found here.

Deadline:
February 1, 2018

2018 Believe and Achieve Scholarship Program from Cumberland Farms

Cumberland Farms today announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Believe and Achieve Scholarship Program. The Believe and Achieve Scholarship program, created specifically to support the development of young people, awards $1,000 scholarships to 130 eligible graduating high school seniors each year, based on a student’s academic performance, as well as financial need. Winners will be notified in the spring of 2018.

Who is eligible:

The program is open to students entering a full-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited college, university or vocational-technical school in the fall of 2018 who live within 30 miles of any Cumberland Farms location.

How to apply:

For more information and to apply for 2018 scholarships, visit the Program Information Page. Information about the Believe and Achieve Scholarship Program, including entry criteria, is available online at https://scholarsapply.org/cumberlandfarms.

Deadlline:

The application period runs from now until December 4th, 2017.

College Raptor $2500 Scholarship

To help students take a thoughtful approach to the college decision process and pay for college, College Raptor is awarding a $2,500 scholarship.

Who is eligible:

•Be legal residents of the United States, District of Columbia, or a U.S. Territory.

•Be age 16 or older.

•Be enrolled (or enroll no later than the fall of 2019) in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning (college, university or trade school).

How to apply:

1. Register with College Raptor.

2. Use our College Search tool to find the best colleges for you.

Deadline:

Submit your Essay by January 31, 2018.

Frame My Future Scholarship from Diplomaframe

Unlike most of the traditional scholarships, there are no essays to write, no grade or academic requirements—it is all about creativity. Students are challenged to create a visual entry, whether it is a photograph, collage, painting, illustration, poem, short story—any single piece that demonstrates what he/she would like to do in their personal and professional life after college. Entrants are asked to follow the theme: This is how I Frame my Future.

Award Information
One $5,000 Grand Prize scholarship award

One $1,000 first runner-up scholarship award

One $500 second runner-up scholarship award

Eligibility Criteria
The 2018 scholarship contest is open to students who are:

•Attending a U.S. college or university full-time for the 2018-2019 academic year

•(including community college, undergraduate, or graduate school)

•A legal U.S. residen

How to Apply
www.framemyfuture.com

Selection Criteria
Church Hill Classics will select 24 Finalists based on the creativity of the full entry, including the entry image and accompanying description (maximum of 500 characters). The full entry must:

•Be your own work and relate to the theme – This is how I Frame My Future

•Contain correct grammar and spelling

The 24 Finalists advance to a one-month public voting phase. The entry with the most votes will receive the $5,000 grand prize scholarship award. The entry with the second most votes will receive a $1,000 scholarship award. The entry with the 3rd most votes will receive a $500 scholarship award. Each winner will also receive a custom diploma frame.

admissions, college guidance, college planning, college prep

Looking Past the College Names and the Rankings

 

rankings

When I talk to parents and listen to their stories about college prep, it’s hard not to be concerned. I’m concerned because it seems that college choice has become a competition–a competition among parents and a competition among students. It’s all about the prestige, the name, and the rankings and very little about the fit.

I recently participated in a discussion thread on the Grown and Flown Facebook page. A mother was concerned that her daughter was only considering applying to the Ivies. I tried to insert my advice on the matter and was attacked by so many parents whose students were either applying to these colleges or attending them. I was simply trying to point out that these colleges aren’t the “be all and end all” of colleges and there are so many other options out there to consider. Shame on me for disparaging these top-ranked universities.

Seriously though, it surprises me how many parents feel that their student can’t be happy at an unknown college or university. It astounds me how many parents will allow their student to attend one of these colleges and either go into debt themselves or allow their student to accumulate mounds of debt; because, news flash—these colleges only provide need-based aid to the poorest of families and merit aid to the best of the applicant pool. Your student may be accepted but offered no financial assistance.

How do you steer your student away from the these colleges?

If your student is a top candidate for an Ivy league college and you are willing to pay for it, then by all means, she should apply. But if you’re worried about finances or know that your student is applying for all the wrong reasons, it’s time to steer them away from these colleges.

The best way to do this is to draw the focus away from the Ivies and toward other colleges that offer the same benefits at a greater return for your investment. Encourage your student to visit colleges, talk to alumni, connect online with students from other colleges and start a conversation.

How do you find those “diamonds in the rough” colleges?

You can start by looking at the College That Change Lives website. Then move toward College Navigator and fill in some criteria that fits your student’s interests: location, size, major, merit awards, etc.. Look at the stats, financial aid awards, and student debt. After you have a list, do some digging. What is your student interested in studying? Is there a student body better suited for her? If she is at the top of the applicant pool will she have a better chance of winning merit aid?

How do you change your (and your student’s) mindset?

Visit. Interact. Start a dialogue with other colleges. Once your student sees the virtual cornucopia of colleges out there, it will be easier for you to move her toward the colleges that are a better fit. Once she realizes that it’s not about the name, but about the fit, it will be easier to add those colleges that fit instead of choosing one simply based on name or ranking.

With over 4000 colleges and universities in this country, it will serve you and your student better if you look at some of the lesser known colleges and examine their benefits. As my daughter did, she found her perfect match when she moved beyond the college with the ranking to the college that was a better fit for her academically, socially, and financially.