Category Archives: college planning

college planning, in the news

5 Tech Tips for college-bound students

Unknown-3College environments are richer in technology today than ever before. Where students used to use card catalogs and microfilm for research, they now use online databases. Where professors used to write lecture notes on blackboards, they now use electronic slide shows. Technology is growing and evolving by the day, and students need to keep up with this progress in order to make the most of their college years.

Remember these 5 tech tips for college bound students and get off to a great start.

  1. Always Try Before You Buy
    Technological investments can be very expensive, and you don’t want to drop large amounts of your own money on something that isn’t going to work for you. Whether you’re shopping for a new computer, a software package, or any other tech item, be sure to try before you buy. You might not realize by simply reading product descriptions that a given product isn’t going to suit your needs. Take advantage of free trials, and talk to friends about taking their tech items for a spin before you commit to a purchase.
  2. Talk to Professors About Software
    There are a number of software packages that may benefit you in school, and some of them are available at a significant discount to students. Try to talk to college professors about what kinds of software may benefit you. Tech needs vary from student to student, and the software suite that works for your friend in finance may not be useful for your curriculum. You want to use technology to your advantage, and your professors can show you the best way to do so.
  3. Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities Online
    One of the greatest advantages of modern technology for students is the capacity for networking. Through email, social media, and a number of other avenues, you can easily stay in touch with everyone you meet in college. These people can become your best friends now, and they can become valuable professional contacts in the future. Never underestimate the importance of networking, and use technology to your advantage while you study to build connections with the people you meet.
  4. Look for Ways to Save
    Technology can be expensive, but clever students can save money by shopping smart and making the most of their tech potential. Tune into special sales and promotions like Cyber Monday, when tech items are sold at significant discount. Use your technology to its fullest potential while you study. Rather than buy heavy and expensive texts, see if your required literature is available for download in e-book format. Avoid spending on planners and other organizational tools by using your computer, smart phone, or tablet to fill this purpose. There are dozens of ways to make your technology work for you and save money at the same time.
  5. Learn as Much as You Can
    Learn as much as you can about technology while you’re in school. Getting into web design and SEO, learning how to implement keywords, and knowing how to reverse a Google penalty are all valuable skills in a world in which industry is governed by technology. Prepare yourself for a career in the digital world by becoming an expert on modern technology while you study in college.

Staying abreast of technology and using it to your advantage is imperative in today’s digital age.

 

college guidance, college planning, dorm life, extracurricular activities, greek life, parenting

Getting involved in campus life

Unknown-2Most parents, if asked, would cite academics as the priority when it comes to the focus for their college-age kids. After all, you are paying for an education that will eventually lead to a job and an independent life (or so you hope). And yet, the time your students spend on campus will offer many more opportunities for education than those that can be found in a book. Without your help and guidance, they will have to navigate the waters of social interaction on their own, learning how to form lasting relationships (both personal and professional). And the best way to do this is to get involved in campus life. So if you want your kids to get the most out of their college experience, it’s important that you encourage them to come out of their shell and participate in something other than their chosen curriculum.

Of course you’re not going to tell them to get out and party, but there are certainly merits to joining fraternities and sororities. Greek life has developed a bad reputation for beer-guzzling shindigs, so you might not think it’s right for the college-bound kids in your family. But the truth is that there’s a lot to recommend life in these houses. For one thing, the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood that exist in the Greek system will give your students instant substitute families, allowing them a place to belong throughout their collegiate experience, not to mention a network of contacts to call upon after graduation. In addition, houses are often required to participate in both campus events and charitable activities, which can only help your student to get involved, and perhaps learn something about the value of compassion and philanthropy. They also require a minimum GPA.

Then again, fraternities and sororities don’t comprise the only means for students to get involved, although they may be one of the most valuable. You could also encourage your kids to join campus clubs, and there are many avenues to choose from. Sports are one great way for students to be thrust into the college experience, since they not only provide an instant group of friends by way of teammates, but they also ensure attendance at a number of campus events. Even traditionally solo sports like running or cycling can be done with friends or campus groups.

There are also clubs that cater to academic pursuits (math club, AV, creative writing, etc.), hobbies, religious groups, or even political affiliations or agendas. The point is that no matter what your kids are interested in, there are probably like-minded students on campus, and if a specific group isn’t available, your student could start one. How about a weekly movie club to screen the classics, or a club that tests new video games and then blogs their reviews?

While keeping your “nose in the books” is admirable (you can compare textbooks here to find the best prices) and studying is important, having a social life is also important. You should pause for a moment and think about how they stand to benefit from a more rounded campus experience. Students that get involved and make friends will gain, in addition to an education, a support network that can help them get jobs and get by in life once they leave college. A well-rounded student is a happy and successful student.

college guidance, college planning, parenting, work study

Should you encourage your child to have a job in college?

The parenting community seems to be strongly divided on the issue of whether or not kids should work during their time in college. In many cases, students have no choice but to take on part-time or full-time work as a way to make ends meet, even if that means they have to cut back on their studies in the process. The first priority is a roof overhead and food on the table, after all. Attending college is a privilege that some students take for granted, but others must work a lot harder during their college years. For students that don’t necessarily have to work, the question becomes whether or not they should, and as a parent you likely have some thoughts on the issue. There are pros and cons to both positions.

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Following are a few pros and cons you might want to consider before you urge your kids to take on a job in college and add the additional burden of employment during their time in school.

There are many reasons why parents might prefer that their children avoid working while they’re in college. For one thing, the main point of attending college is to earn a degree (hopefully increasing job prospects), and it requires students to focus on their studies. Carrying a full course load is not only a time-consuming undertaking, what with class time and studying, but it can also take a lot of energy and concentration. A job can be disruptive on all fronts. So if students are able to cover their expenses with funds provided by scholarships, student loans, and of course, the help of their parents, there’s no reason why they should be distracted by the demands and stress of a job. In truth, attending college is like having a full-time job to begin with, and while many young adults enjoy the stamina required to take on additional work, it doesn’t make sense to tax them needlessly. Or does it?

If it’s purely a matter of money and there’s no other option, then students may have no choice but to work in order to support themselves and pay their way through college. But why would parents that can afford to help their kids financially encourage them to take on a job anyway? There are a couple of compelling reasons for parents to take this position, as well. For one thing, having a job builds confidence and character. When kids contribute financially to their own education, they are likely to place a higher value on it, thus making their performance in school more important (since they have more invested).

In addition, working a dead end, part-time job will no doubt help them to realize what their future job prospects look like if they fail to finish their degree, providing ample motivation to succeed. Of course, they might also nab an entry-level position in their field of interest, helping to build a resume and get a leg up on their peers when it comes to getting hired after graduation.

Whether your kids angle for a medical degree from Johns Hopkins or NEU’s online MST degree, you may not know if you should encourage them to take on a job during their time in school. Focusing on studies without the added stress of a job is definitely a consideration. However, encouraging your student to contribute to the cost of their education certainly builds character and communicates that hard work and perseverance pay off in the end.

The bottom line–only you know your student and can help them decide whether or not to work during college.

 

admissions, college guidance, college planning

5 Tips for beating back senioritis

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The feeling you get when you you’re accepted to your dream school is one of euphoria! But the realization that there are still months left of school (six if you got in early action!) can put a damper on the celebration. There are AP exams left to take, endless calculus problem sets to turn in, capstone projects to be finished… when all you want to do is relax and hang out with friends.The truth is, almost everyone gets the dreaded senioritis. It’s characterized by a seeming inability to get work done by students who once pushed through projects and assignments in no time flat. The bad news: if you let senioritis get the best of you, you can jeopardize your college acceptance. The good news: senioritis is serious, but any high school senior can beat it. Here are my top five tips:

1. Set aside time each day for homework
You may not have the motivation to study as much as you did BCA (Before College Acceptance) but that doesn’t mean you can ignore homework entirely. One good strategy is to set aside distinct periods of time each day to do homework. If you tell yourself you’re going to work between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., each weeknight and then give yourself from 9 onwards for Facebook, socializing, TV or whatever it is you want to do for fun, you’ll be much more likely to get your work done than if you have an ephemeral goal of “getting your work done” but then don’t have anything concrete to match that to.

2. Study with friends
It’s senior year, it’s time to have some fun with friends who’ll be halfway across the country in a few months… but there’s that nasty project that’s due in the next two days. Studying with friends is a great way to get quality time in with your favorite people, while also ensuring you get your reading done and your problem sets finished. Make it more fun by meeting at a coffee shop or local cafe.

3. Be diligent about due dates and assignments
You may not get every homework assignment 100 percent, but you’ll want to be looking ahead to make sure you have the the big things on your radar — midterms, final papers and projects, big reports, etc. If you plan ahead, you can give yourself plenty of time to both relax and to get your work done stress free.

4. Check in with teachers regularly
Senioritis happens to almost everyone. And your teachers know it’s going to happen. But if you show them you’re on top of things by checking in, following up on assignments you may have turned in late, etc, they’ll be much more likely to be able to work with you in the event you miss something or forget to turn some homework in.

5. Reward yourself
Set out small goals you want to accomplish and then give yourself a reward when you complete them. Maybe for every five calculus problems you finish, you give yourself a piece of chocolate. Or perhaps it’s take a trip to the mall after studying for two hours for an AP exam. You decide the goals, you decide the rewards.

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Laura Oppenheimer works for InstaEDU, an online tutoring company that offers online algebra tutoring, as well as tutoring in hundreds of other subjects, ranging from basic math to advanced econometrics.
college guidance, college planning, parenting

5 Ways to help your college student stay healthy on campus

Unknown-2Sending your kids off to college is no easy undertaking. Aside from the cost of this venture, every parent will have to deal with the emotional difficulties involved, as well. For certain you will miss the pitter-patter of tiny feet in the house, and even the elephantine stomping and door slamming that no doubt characterized their teenage years. But even worse than the empty nest syndrome could be the endless worry. You’ll fret over little things like whether or not they’re dressing appropriately for the weather, getting enough sleep, and going to class on time. And then there are larger issues like safety, grades, and social acceptance. But the first time your student calls you up complaining of sore throat or stomach flu, you’ll start to wonder how they’ll make it through illness on their own, without you to bring them soup, take their temperature, and pick up prescriptions at the pharmacy. So here are just a few ways that you can help to ensure your kids stay healthy during their time on campus.

  1. Send prescription reminders. Whether your college-age kids take medication for asthma, seasonal allergies, anxiety, a heart condition, or even birth control, you’ve likely been phoning in and picking up their prescriptions for so long that you know exactly when they’re due. So if you’re worried about your student running out of essential medication, consider setting an alert on your phone’s calendar so that you can shoot your kid a text reminder to refill.
  2. Campus meal plan. While you probably had an easy enough time policing your kids’ food choices when they lived at home, since you were the one buying groceries and preparing meals, you’re going to have to accept that you have no control over how they eat on campus. That said, you can provide them with healthy alternatives to eating out and hitting the vending machines for every meal. By springing for a campus meal plan you’ll at least ensure that they have access to healthy choices. It might not stop them from nightly raids on the vending machine, but at least they can get some fresh fruits and veggies or a hot meal when they want it.
  3. Food delivery. There aren’t a lot of cooking options available to students living in dorms, what with limited kitchen amenities (they’ll have a mini fridge and microwave if they’re lucky). But that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to supply them with fresh fruits and veggies, depending on the school they attend. Start by looking for farm co-ops in the area that deliver fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, or if none are available, consider setting up deliveries from a company like Harry & David’s.
  4. Care packages. Plenty of parents are keen to send care packages containing freshly baked goodies and other items that remind kids of home. But you might want to swap out the cookies in favor of healthier fare like dried fruit, nuts, or even homemade trail mix. You could also throw in daily vitamin supplements to ensure that your kids are getting the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy, even if they’re not eating right.
  5. Health coverage. Many insurance providers allow parents to keep their kids insured under their policy up until the age of 26, which means that the average student won’t have to worry about finding their own affordable health insurance until after graduation. But if you want to make sure that your kids take advantage of this coverage, you might think about providing them with a list of plan-approved practitioners in their area (doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists, etc.), or even set up appointments for them in the beginning.

You can’t police their every decision or pester them to take care of themselves, but you can provide them with opportunities to make healthy choices and continue their health care while in college.

 

career colleges, college majors, college planning

Great tech careers for college-bound students to consider

imagesWith the economy slow to recover from recession, many college students are understandably worried about their potential to find gainful employment after graduation. And while there are certainly students who will opt to pursue their dream majors despite the fact that there are currently no jobs available in their chosen field (no doubt hoping that the job market will improve by the time they have a diploma in hand), others are seeking degree programs that not only spark their interest, but lead to careers in related industries that are showing growth regardless of the recession. Technology is one such area of study. Whether your student is interested in computers and computer systems, the growing mobile space, changes in the automotive industry, or green technology, for example, there are many ways that they can turn their interest in the mechanics and electronics we use in our everyday lives into a promising career. So here are just a few paths in the area of tech careers that aspiring college students may want to consider.

As modern technology advances, there is no more promising field than computer science. Whether your student likes getting their hands dirty with hardware or programming is more their style, this field of technology plays a role in nearly every other type of technological advancement of late. Just look at smartphones and tablets, which are slimmer, lighter, and can now stream downloadable content in HD resolution with nary a hiccup. Or how about automotive technologies that connect wirelessly to personal electronics in order to help hands-free communication, or tracking fuel economy so that you can find ways to drive smarter. The point is that a background in computers can not only lead to high-paying jobs in fields like IT, database administration, or software, web, and mobile development, but also in almost any other industry.

Suppose, for example, that it’s your student’s dream to work at a theme park. They could be the person creating software that makes virtual reality rides feel like participants are really on a star ship zooming through space, or on a hang glider hovering over the California landscape. Knowledge of programming could also allow them to run their own business developing games and apps for the mobile space. Or they might wind up working in the film industry creating 3D graphics for movies. Of course, many jobs that require a background in computer technology will only be viable if you have some other knowledge and skills under your belt, as well.

Many engineering positions, for example, from mechanical to civil, will have an emphasis on computer technology but require that your student take a specific degree program in the field of engineering you want to enter. Luckily,engineers are in equally high demand to computer specialists these days. So if your student earns a degree in civil engineering with a minor in environmental studies, for example, they could end up planning residential or commercial buildings for a cleaner, greener tomorrow, or even entire housing developments or urban projects.

They might also go into medical technology. With many doctors and nurses nearing the age of retirement and baby boomers reaching their golden years, the next several years will see a real shortage of trained medical personnel. So this could be a great career path to pursue.

There are tons of potential technical careers just waiting for qualified individuals to fill them. Whether your student wants to become an infographic designer, an automotive computer engineer, or an alternative energy innovator, consider that any of several technology fields could hold the keys to a promising career.

college guidance, college planning, in the news, parenting

Parents should encourage AP classes

The College Board released a press release and accompanying report related to the Class of 2012 Advanced Placement® results. While participation and performance increased compared to the Class of 2011, many High School students with potential for success in college-level AP® Courses still lack access. Parents of college-bound teens should encourage their students to take advantage of AP classes offered in high school. Following is a short excerpt from the press release, along with a link to view the complete report.

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UnknownNEW YORK — Ensuring that all academically prepared high school students have access to rigorous college-level course work that will enable them to persist in and graduate from college is critical for the United States to remain competitive in a global economy — particularly in crucial STEM-related disciplines. Educators are increasingly adopting the rigorous standards found within the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) to help the nation’s high school students develop the critical thinking, reasoning and communication skills that are essential for college success.

Data released today by the College Board as part of The 9th Annual AP Report to the Nation revealed that more high school graduates are participating — and succeeding — in college-level AP courses and exams than ever before. Succeeding in AP is defined as achieving a score of 3 or higher on the five-point AP Exam scale, which is the score needed for credit, advanced placement or both at the majority of colleges and universities.

“By exposing students to college-level work while still in high school, Advanced Placement dramatically improves college completion rates,” said David Coleman, President of the College Board. “Today we applaud those educators who have worked tirelessly to bring the power of AP to more communities and more students than ever before. But we must not forget the hundreds of thousands of students with the potential to succeed in Advanced Placement who don’t even have access to its coursework.  If we hope to achieve our long-term college completion goals, we must ensure that every student has access to a rigorous education.”

Current research on AP course work confirms AP’s comparability to introductory college courses in content, skills and learning outcomes. Research consistently shows that students earning placement into advanced course work based on AP Exam scores perform as well as — or better than — students who have completed the introductory course at a college or university. In fact, students who succeed on an AP Exam during high school typically experience greater overall academic success in college, and are more likely than their non-AP peers to graduate from college and to graduate on time, experiencing lower college costs than the majority of American college students.

The 9th Annual AP Report to the Nation is available at apreport.collegeboard.org.

You can also download the condensed version of the report located within the press release:

National Release _ APRN_FINAL

 

career colleges, college guidance, college planning

Career oriented college–is it a good fit for your student?

images-2Every parent wants their child to do well at college and to enjoy their time studying at a higher education level. With the job market getting ever tighter, however, it’s also important to consider the longer term – what will a child do after graduation?

Towards the end of high school a student may have already identified what sort of career they might like to pursue, and this is a big help in choosing a career oriented college course. Even if a child hasn’t made any definite decision, they may feel a strong affinity for a particular field – arts, business or medicine perhaps? It’s very rare that a child has no clue at all about their preferred subjects, but if this should be the case there are a few things to consider to help them decide which career oriented college is right for them.

Play to their strengths

Just as a coach will select players for a team based on their ability to fulfill the requirements of playing in a particular position – quarterback or goaltender for example – so a child’s school record can provide a useful indication of how strong they are in particular academic disciplines or how adept they are at practical skills, or both. Career oriented colleges offer programs to train students for careers in everything from computer repairs to health care, so checking high school grades against college course contents is a good way to judge whether a particular program is a good match with a child’s previous achievements.

Finding the right course

It’s best to encourage prospective college students to take courses in areas that appeal to them rather than just choosing one their friends are taking. Get them to think about which subjects truly motivate them and suggest they consider classes in which they’re going to be confident, but which at the same time will challenge them. When selecting courses with them, scan the testimonials from current and former students – many colleges publish a selection of these on their website. If students have been impressed by the level of personal interaction with tutors, and by the techniques, resources and materials they have access to, these are good signs that the college is meeting their needs. The initial interview is an important opportunity to ask any questions, for example about course contents, tutoring or proficiency testing procedures.

Career oriented programs 

There are a variety of colleges offering technical, business and medical programs. For instance, medical assistant schools in Miami offer diplomas to students that qualify them for a wide variety of careers, including Phlebotomist Technician, EKG Technician and Medical Assistant; and what’s more medical assistant schools in Miami also prepare students to work in a variety of settings, including medical offices, health clinics, hospitals, laboratories and medical houses.

So contrary to what might be expected when a specific field or discipline is chosen, the benefits of a career-oriented program give your student the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of jobs and workplaces.

college guidance, college planning, financial aid, scholarships

Thinking about student loans?

images-1As college bound teens are thinking about college social life, and perhaps their preferred courses and the subjects that motivate them, parents are often thinking about how to afford the combined costs of tutoring, accommodation, food and study materials. Student loans are usually part of the funding equation and it pays to do some investigating in advance of the time when the money is needed to be able to take advantage of the best interest rates available. Here are a few things to be mindful of when checking out the possibilities for financial aid.

Free money

In some cases students may have access to ‘free money’ – grants and scholarships that are non-repayable – and these should always be investigated first. In fact, there are many thousands of scholarships and grants available through universities and colleges, state and federal governments and other organizations, both public and private. Usually, private organizations and schools award scholarships, while governments provide grants, although some schools also provide grants. An Internet search will normally yield a number of possible sources, and reveal whether a prospective student is eligible for financial assistance.

Choosing the best loan

Once any grants or scholarships and any other types of financial aid have been taken into account, parents and prospective students are in a position to work out the requirements for a student loan. Here again, it is worth looking around for the best deals. For example, some lenders offer competitive rates for courses specific to a career, such as business administration, the health profession or law. The best institutions will lend up to 100 percent of college costs, offer both fixed and variable rates, have zero origination fees and require no in-school payments. In some cases, for example with certain law school loans, the lender will provide a reduction in the debt when automatic repayments are made from a bank account, and may also offer a reduction on successful graduation – read more information about law school loans by clicking here. 

Tips and advice

Parents and prospective students will benefit from working out a strategy to enable them to handle student loans wisely. Establishing and maintaining good credit for young people is an important starting point as this will often be used to make decisions about loans and other types of finance throughout their lives. To reduce student loan costs, one option is to prepay loans. For example, if a loan covers all the student’s costs – living expenses as well as tuition fees – and the student gets part-time work while at college, the additional money could be used to make loan repayments early. When making repayments, students should be encouraged to pay promptly and on time, as penalties for late payment will be reflected in their credit rate.

As well as taking advantage of any rewards offered by the lender, students or parents may be eligible for tax deductions if they have paid eligible student loan interest. A tax advisor will be able to offer guidance and the IRS website is a good source of tax information.

college guidance, college planning, dorm life, organization, parenting

Tips for making the transition to college easier

Savoring the last few months of high school education, your student may get the ping of fear in the back of their mind to find the right college. Researching and applying to colleges has most likely left your student with stress, excitement and anticipation of the future.

Whether your student searched for colleges with online classes or universities that offer top-notch academic programs, the applications have been submitted and the wait contines? While you and your student are waiting for offers of admission from the colleges, here are some tips for making the transition to college easier:

You’re not there yet

Many seniors take the attitude that once their applications are submitted they can coast through the remaining months of senior year. That is not the case. Many colleges require a spring or final transcript and have been known to reject offers for admission based on that transcript. Encourage your student to buckle down and do their best these next few months. Colleges are looking for students that take their education seriously. The last thing they want to see are grades that have dropped since they received your student’s application.

View of a messy roomWhat you need to take to the dorm

Once your student gets into a university, it’s easy to forget half the stuff they need when moving day comes. For the bedroom and main areas, grab two sets of sheets and pillows, a trash can, desk and area lamps, a laundry bag or basket, storage boxes, a mini fridge and a coffee maker. Life isn’t complete without electronics. Remember the laptop, iPod and dock, headphones, alarm clock, TV, DVD player, cell phone and charger, camera and a microwave.

Cleaning is now up to your student, so bring along a vacuum or old-fashioned carpet sweeper. In the bathroom, they will want soap, shampoo, toothbrush and paste, towels, a comb and a razor. For their desk, grab some Post-It notes, a compact stapler, printer paper, note cards, pens and pencils.

Finding a roommate

Finally, the college may allow students to choose their own roommate. If they don’t have a friend lined up, they can find a roommate through roomsurf.com. They will be matched with potential rooming partners based on the results of a survey. They can communicate with potential roomies beforehand to make sure they’re a match. If assigned a roommate, make contact with them online by searching social media like Facebook, Twitter and Google. Contact beforehand allows your student the opportunity to plan and not bring duplicate items for the dorm room.

While entering college is exciting, it can seem overwhelming. With these tips, you’ll have a much easier time getting started and moving forward. Soon, they will be settled in and on their way!