Category Archives: college guidance

college costs, college guidance, financial aid

Tax deductions for college students

 

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

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

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

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

college guidance, college planning, parenting, Uncategorized

Job vs. No Job in College

 

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

The Cons

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

The Pros

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

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

The Bottom Line

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

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

Selecting a college degree that brings reward

 

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

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

Do the research

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

Match your student’s interests with the career paths

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

Select the right fit colleges

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

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

college guidance, college health, parenting

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

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

Speak frankly.

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

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

drugs and alcoholTry to relate to your children.

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

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

Stress the college policies on drugs and alcohol.

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

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

college guidance, college majors, college planning

The benefits of a liberal arts education

 

liberal artsStudents increasingly seek after liberal arts degrees, as it imparts comprehensive educational skills that they can apply to various jobs. Such students equip themselves with various skills including writing and communication. A well-written resume that conveys all one wants to impart and holds the attention of the potential employer is very important. Getting across your views and being able to do so in a precise and concise way is a valuable asset, and a student with a liberal arts major is trained to achieve superior communication and writing skills. They are able to write effective resumes and letters and market themselves effectively. It is not uncommon for them to gain higher positions with good salaries.

Communication

A majority of the workforce in many businesses needs training to improve their writing skills. Companies spend a substantial amount of money for this training. A person who is able to get across the policies, plans and decisions to employees located in different areas is a huge asset to any organization. Clear communication saves time and money. The person receiving the communication is able to get the message and is able to implement it effectively. A liberal arts graduate is able to effectively get across policies and procedures with his excellent communication skills.

When a student completes the degree plan, he gains personal qualities and skills that are sought after by employers. Teamwork skills, analytical skills, communication skills, computer skills, interpersonal skills, strong work ethics, willingness to take initiative and responsibility, flexibility, an eye for detail, and ability to think out of the box are a few qualities and skills one learns. The modules and course structures are formulated to increase problem-solving skills and enhance critical thinking. They are made aware of the various problems and ills that affect the society. The student gets insight into the culture and customs of people belonging to different communities in different parts of the country and world. He is acquainted with race, gender, education, class and other factors that affect the society and work. The student is made aware of the cultural differences and taught to see things from different perspectives and have empathy.

An Array of Knowledge and Skills

He is able to work with people with different views for the betterment of the organization for which he works. The education prepares him for a range of careers in diverse areas of work. It is unlike a professional bachelor’s degree that qualifies a student for a specific job.

This degree assists his quest for knowledge and helps him find solutions to various ills that affect the society. Such a student gains knowledge in various subjects, like media and communication, history, science and technology, literature, language, philosophy, history, mathematics, psychology, education and many more.

They get well-rounded education unlike students who enroll for other degree courses that focus only on a specific subject and equips them for specific jobs. They are able to converse on a range of topics and hold meaningful and intelligent discussions on numerous political, economic and social issues. The problem solving skills they learn help them tackle and find solutions to various issues. The liberal arts degree encourages free thinking and free expression. The decision making skills the students are trained in qualify them for higher positions in the work place.

Your options are open

If you are looking at options to pursue higher education, liberal arts degrees are still a promising choice. More and more students are opting for liberal arts instead of pursuing technical, medical vocational training or a course in business education. Some of the best educational institutions offer a Liberal arts degree plan that enables one to pursue a vocation in any field, including politics.

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Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to the field of education. In this article, he describes the benefits of a liberal arts degree and aims to encourage further study with an art education online degree.

college guidance, internships, parenting

The importance of college role models

 


Everyone needs a role model at different stages of life; a role model is that the person you look up; it is he or she who inspires you to stay focused on achieving your goals. Role models are very important because they sort of define the path that you should follow in order to reach a certain end. A good way to describe these individuals is as a guiding star; a bright shining light that directs you to where you need to be. Role models are of great importance and more so during the formative years. It is during this period of time that a person requires guidance so that they do not end up on the wrong path.

Quite a number of people have actualized their dreams because of the role models they chose; dream actualization is a vital element in the equation of happiness. The college years are among the most important in a person’s life; in fact for quite a number of people, this is the make or break period. At this level, therefore, good role models are very important. There are various college role models who can significantly influence the life of a college student; the following are some of them.

Coaches

college role models

Sport is a big part of college life. In fact, it is during the various college sporting events that scouts from the big leagues come to search for new talent. It is coaches who are tasked with ensuring that members of the various teams deliver on the pitch, court, in the pool etc. College coaches are very influential because their job is not just to teach team members how to throw, swing or kick; their responsibility exceeds that. How a coach reacts when greatly distressed during or after a game can greatly influence how team members behave in similar times. It is only that, for them, it won’t necessarily be limited to the field, court etc; they may actually extend it to their daily lives.

It is also the duty of a coach to instill sound work ethic to his or her team members. Good sportsmanship is also something that coaches teach as well as general presentation during practice sessions and games. How a coach handles all these aspects of sport will determine just how the team members carry themselves in their daily lives.

Parents

It is during the college years that an individual is supposed to learn how to become almost completely independent. There are no parents to boss them around; in fact, some might say that parents are not needed anymore. This can’t be further from the truth; parents have a very big role to play throughout their children’s college years. How parents relate with each other will greatly influence how their children view relationships. Most college kids are just that: kids, and therefore, they still need their parents to guide them through life. If parents aren’t approachable or available, chances are that their kids will never consult them on vital life issues. Instead, they will find their own solutions; this, of course, can have dire consequences both in the immediate and distant future.

Professors

College professors have a duty to ensure that their students not only get the best possible academic knowledge but life related teachings, as well. Most college students view their professors in high regard probably because of their achievements and what they have gone through to make it to where they are at present. A professor can either use this high opinion to impact positively or negatively on the lives of their students. All this can be achieved simply through the words they use and the things they do both in and out of the lecture hall.

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Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to education. In this article, he describes the importance of role models in students lives and aims to encourage further study with a masters in coaching and athletic administration.

college guidance, college health, college planning, parenting

Your student’s college health insurance plan

 

college health plansCollege is an exciting time in a young person’s life, and most of the excitement comes from being away from home and meeting new and interesting people. However, being close to new people and moving to new places can also have a negative aspect on your health through exposure to all sorts of bugs and germs. If you have a decent health plan, then you don’t need to worry much because you are protected, but if you don’t, it’s time you learned about your options.

The Parent’s Health Plan

Recent litigation has left many students eligible for coverage through their parent’s health plan, which continues until they are 26. Each school will have their own specific requirements about your parent’s health plan, and this will determine the doctors you can access through an in-network program and so on.

Students whose parents don’t have health insurance are not eligible and have to work with the following options:

College Health Insurance

The majority of colleges in the country have their own health plans, and they’re usually low cost.  However, low costs shouldn’t be the driving force behind your search for a health plan. Some of the low cost plans come with questionable coverage caps and wouldn’t be ideal if you get an illness. Coverage usually focuses on smaller threats, such as immunization and medicine because schools tend to focus on keeping the population healthy.

Individual plans

This is a valid option if you have concerns about your school’s health plan and would like more features on the policy. Individual plans won’t cost much and they also come with more options than the typical college plan. In addition, they can be applied for online. The premiums would be slightly higher, but if you have a chronic condition to worry about, this route offers you more security.

You will have to contact an insurance broker or agent who will give you more information about the kind of coverage you need and the related costs. Your health will have to be evaluated before you can get any type of plan, and should you have any major pre-existing medical conditions, several stipulations will be added to the plan, or in some cases, your application could be rejected.

More and more colleges are dropping the student health plan because the federal government requires it to be more comprehensive than it is currently. The 2010 healthcare overhaul helped put in place guidelines, which necessitate substantial coverage for students. About two-thirds of full time college students operate on their parent’s health plan and aren’t affected by less than satisfactory plans offered by college insurance.

A minimum of 600,000 students in college, about 7% of the total number, purchase their own insurance from the school. An increase in premium by the president requires most colleges to up the cost to much higher figures than the students are currently paying, which is why many colleges just opted to drop insurance this year.

In order to stay safe and informed, take time to check your school’s health policies, and see which type of coverage they offer. A school may offer several types of policies, and depending on the school, they can range from widely comprehensive policies which cover major critical illnesses and minor accidents among other conditions. It is advisable to take up the more comprehensive cover because it will take care of your visits to health services, any medical procedures and diagnostics you may need and any visits to a specialist.

Much information is required when assessing medical insurance and medical plans, so take your time, and ensure you only pick the health plan that will keep you safe over a range of situations and isn’t costly.

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Author Bio

Andrew Deen is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to law. In this article, he explains student’s health insurance plans and aims to encourage further study with an online masters in health law.

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.