Category Archives: college planning

college guidance, college planning, test prep

Knewton SAT Prep

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Recently I received a tour of Knewton’s SAT Prep portal online. I have to admit, I was skeptical. Based on personal SAT prep courses with my daughter, I always felt those type courses were too expensive and didn’t significantly improve her SAT scores like they promised.

However, I was pleasantly surprised with Knewton’s services. Here’s why I liked them:

  • The parents have access to the student’s progress and receive a weekly email report outlining what the student has done
  • It’s a 1-year membership allowing 24/7 access to all their resources
  • It’s flexible as far as addressing everyone’s time constraints–live and on demand
  • It evaluates the student’s progress and analyzes their strengths and weaknesses
  • Affordability

A student can take the practice tests from the College Board’s blue book and input their answers online at Knewton. The tests are then graded allowing the system to recommend a study regimen after evaluating the student’s strengths and weaknesses. They read and grade the essays and give the student feedback.

The student will attend 10 sessions with 2 lessons per session. They can review the material ahead of time if needed and they can watch the class session on demand while stopping, fast forwarding and rewinding. If they can’t make a specific class, they can chose a more convenient time and attend another session.

Knewton also offers a money-back GUARANTEE if your student does not receive a 150 point jump in their overall SAT score after completing their online classes.

Knewton is offering a $200 price reduction off their $490 fee, making the 1-year membership only $290. Just enter the code: SUMMER200 at checkout. This code expires on June 30th so don’t delay! Plus, anyone can have a 14-day FREE TRIAL which includes jumping in on live classes. Based on other SAT prep courses, that’s a bargain in my book!

Here are some screen shots of the program:

Email Update

Student’s My Work Page

Parent Progress Report


college guidance, college planning, parenting, Uncategorized

U Chic: A must-read for college-bound girls

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Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what little girls are made of! And now your little girl is headed off to college armed with her favorite pair of shoes, her newly purchased collegiate sweatshirt and a heart full to dreams. U Chic: The College Girl’s Guide to Everything, by Christie Garton, should accompany her as well.

Christie Garton says, “I wanted to create a place where college women could ocme together to find support and advice during one of the most important times of a girl’s life…contributors with a diverse range of experience.” Tracy Won Briggs, former coordinator of USA Today’s All-USA Acacemic and Teacher Teams says, “From the sisterhood of girlfriends who’ve been there, U Chic answers everything a college girl really wants to know.”

I found this book more than helpful: it was inspiring. The women who contributed (from different colleges throughout the country) did so to exhort, encourage, instruct and inspire those who would come after them; thus leaving a legacy for future generations. It is a collection of advice from women about college life and the struggles and victories along the way.

Your college-bound daughter will find information related to arriving on campus, dealing with her fashionista wardrobe, Greek life, surviving temptation, love life, getting involved, budgeting, taking advantage of the college perks, and what to do after graduation. I especially enjoyed the chapter on healthy and happy living because I felt it addressed some sensitive issues related to eating disorders and weight. The contributors also adequately addressed questions regarding Greek life as it relates to girls and temptations they will face while in college. On a lighter note, there is a chapter entitled Blirting 101: socializing via Blackberry.

After reading this book (and happily reminiscing about my daughter’s college experiences), I wished she would have had this to read the summer before she headed off to college. If your daughter is in this category, get her a copy to read and take with her next fall. If you know a girl who is graduating next month, this would make an excellent graduation gift.

After reading this book, I would have to agree with Christie when she says, “there has not been a generation of college women hungrier for success, yet also more generous with their time and energy to assist those less fortunate. They are not just students at their respective schools, but students of the world–open-minded, openhearted, and open to what the future holds for them.”

college costs, college planning, financial aid, scholarships, Uncategorized

$2000 "No Essay" College Scholarship

As I stated last week, I love to find scholarships that DON’T require an essay. This week’s scholarship is sponsored by College Prowler.com and it’s a NO ESSAY scholarship. That’s right! All you have to do to be entered in the MONTHLY drawing is complete a short survey on their website and be a current college student or planning to enroll in college within the next 12 months.

The monthly contest begins on the first day of the month, and ends on the last day of every month. You may have one entry per month. It’s SUPER EASY and ANYONE CAN WIN!

Send your college-bound teen to CollegeProwler.com each month for a chance to win a $2000 scholarship. You might as well leverage ALL your opportunities for that FREE money!

admissions, college guidance, college planning, parenting

Staying Organized: Taming the Monster

Organization. It’s the word that evokes terror in every parent when our college-bound teen begins the college application process. As a parent college coach, it’s our job to help our teens stay organized and on top of all the paperwork that goes along with the college application process. According to Paul Hemphill, a college admissions coach and founder of PreCollegePrep.com, organization is the key to an error-free application.

Paul is quoted on SmartMoney.com as an admissions expert. You can read the entire article “The Error-Free College Application” by clicking here.

You can contact Paul online at:

PreCollegePrep.com

His blog: College Blogaversity

Twitter: VideoCoach

Facebook: PreCollegePrep

college guidance, college planning, parenting, Uncategorized

The Naked Roommate

And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College (Updated 3rd edition)

This week I’m reviewing another of Harlan Cohen’s books and can I just say one word: WOW! This book addresses everything you always wanted to know about college roommates but were afraid to ask…and so much more.

With graduation approaching, this book should be your #1 graduation gift for every college-bound teen. They should read it before heading off to college and carry it with them to campus. Harlan describes his book in the introduction:

It’s based on what today’s college students are honestly thinking, feeling, and doing on today’s college campuses. High schools do a great job of getting students into college, but once on campus, few students know what to expect. That’s what this book is all about–to help you expect the unexpected so that when the unexpected shows up, it won’t be so hard to handle.

The book is published in an easy to read, reference and remember format:

  • The Tip–Simple tips to address each specific subject: arriving on campus, residence halls,  roommates, finding friends, getting involved, Greek life, life inside the classroom, dating and relationships, sex, drinking, drugs, money, things not mentioned in the college brochure, and finally saying goodbye when you graduate.
  • The story behind the tip–These are actual college stories from actual students worded in such a way that your college-bound teen can relate to and understand.
  • The advice–After the tip and the story, comes the advice. This consists of experience (from Harlan and others) and often from college professionals weighing in on the problem.
  • The Bottom Line–Harlan summarizes what your college-bound teen needs to learn from the tip and puts it into simple, easy to remember language.
  • Harlan’s Tip Sheet–This appears at the end of each chapter offering resources, websites, summary tips and additional information.

This book is easy to read and packed with tips and information for the soon-to-be college student. Invest in this book if you’re a parent of a college-bound teen because college is all about Tip#1-Expect the Unexpected!

college guidance, college planning, parenting

Parents–Can you handle the truth?

We all know that famous line from A Few Good Men, “You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!” It’s hard sometimes to face the facts about the college environment and what your son or daughter will be exposed to while living on campus. Sometimes we would rather remain ignorant.

When my daughter and son were teenagers we used the term TMI (too much information). As they went off to college and the Marine Corps, I found myself using that term more often when they wanted to inform me of risks they had taken or went into detailed descriptions of their friend’s sex escapades (ewww…TMI!)

Too much information can be a bit overwhelming at times. But having the RIGHT information can and will ease your mind as your college-bound teen prepares for college and leaving home. In that vein, I’d like to share some helpful sites that I gathered while reading The Happiest Kid on Campus by Harlan Cohen. (Check out my review of the book and pick yourself up a copy).

Students with Disabilities

If your college-bound teen has a learning disability, you will want to know the procedures and programs on campus that give them the proper academic support. You can follow the link below from the Department of Education to learn about the programs and services that are provided in post-secondary education.
http://ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html

Safety

Every parent worries about their child’s safety when they go away to college. When you begin to consider specific colleges, it’s helpful to know about the crime statistics on campus. The link below will provide you with specific campus crime data regarding residence halls, disciplinary action, criminal offenses, and drug and liquor violations.
http://ope.ed.gov/security/

Hazing

I was confronted with hazing when my daughter pledged a sorority in college. It angered me and I didn’t know where to turn for help. If your teen is considering Greek life while in college, familiarize yourself with http://www.HazingPrevention.org. It will provide you with links to state laws, resources and vital information.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

This is every parent’s nightmare but having this information will help your help your teen know the facts before they head off to college and a world where “hooking up” is commonplace among students. Follow the link below to learn about what Harlan Cohen calls “common college sex souvenirs”.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/default.htm

Alcohol Abuse

Binge drinking is as common on college campuses as eating and sleeping. The unfortunate fact is that even though your college-bound teen will enter campus as an underage adult, alcohol will be readily available. Take some time before they leave to talk to them about the dangers of alcohol. Here are some links that might help:
http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov
http://www.bacchusgamma.org

Sexual Assault and Harassment

Since we’ve established that sex on campus will happen, it stands to reason that assaults and harassment will also occur. Your teen needs to know BEFORE they move into the dorm what to do and how to respond if/when these situations arise. Follow the links below to gather information and talking points for your child and make them aware of the resources that are available to them.
http://www.nsvrc.org
http://www.sexualharassmentsupport.org
http://www.rainn.org

College websites

Spend some time on college websites. Read the student forums. Read the student newspaper. Check out the college pages on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. Learn all you can about the colleges your teen is considering so that you can help them make an informed decision when the time comes. In this instance, TMI does not apply!

admissions, college guidance, college planning, extracurricular activities, scholarships, social networks

A Higher Higher Education

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Today’s guest post by Corey Bobco of The Real College Guide addresses the topic of taking honors classes in college–the pros and cons. If your college-bound teen is considering this option, this article should be of some help in making the decision to jump into the honors curriculum in higher education.

higher-ed

Are you registered for an honors class or teetering on the edge of “I’m too freakin’ lazy to challenge myself”? Before you “yay” or “nay” the big league, you need the inside info to decide if the honors track or an honors course is worth the extra work — and whether you can take the heat.Back in the Day

In high school, what generally distinguished honors (or advanced placement) courses from their standard-level counterparts was that honors classes issued more homework, required more studying and demanded more self-initiative. (But, hey, they looked damn good on your college apps!)

Some high schools require a recommendation or certain GPA to get into a higher-level course. Some offer rewards for taking honors, such as a weighed GPA (on a scale of 0 to 5.0, rather than 0 to 4.0), which explains why those studious, overachievers put themselves through the pain of it all. Other high schools offer no tangible benefits besides a challenge and the risk of ruining a near-perfect GPA.

In the Big League

Your college will have its own unique requirements and policies regarding eligibility and grading scales, so you should definitely check that out sooner than later. One consistency: Like in high school, honors classes in college can be a hell of a lot harder than basic-level courses. So why bother? Not to sound like Mom, but you’re in college to challenge yourself. And you have little to lose, since your college grades often carry less weight than your high school grades. (That is, unless your GPA is securing financial aid, maintaining your parents’ financial support or going on your med, law or grad school applications. In such a case, take extra caution in assessing your capabilities, since risking damage to your GPA can mess up your chances of staying in school and moving on up to bigger and better.)

Clearly, honors courses differ at every school. Here are general details, pros, cons and tips:

Class Size

Pro: Typically, honors classes are smaller seminars with only 10 to 25 students. A small class size means you can develop a relationship with your instructor — and that he or she may actually know your name! This could prove handy when you need extra help, guidance on a big paper or project, a deadline extension, a letter of recommendation or even a lead on a summer internship.

Con: Smaller, niche classes mean extra attention is paid to attendance so your instructor will notice if you’re a frequent no-show. Plus, it will become painfully obvious if you come to class unprepared.

Curriculum

Pro: Honors classes often focus on a highly specific niche topic, like Caribbean literature and film since 1920. If you are super interested in that — or whatever topic is being offered — then don’t think twice about signing up for a semester’s worth of it, since classes that excite you make extra work worth the effort.

Con: Papers, texts and readings will probably be more challenging than a vanilla English Lit 101.

Quality

Pro: Class time in an honors course has great potential to be interesting, since the format of smaller classes tends to be open discussion rather than basic lecture. Plus, part of your grade may be determined by your level of participation, an objective measure you can use to up a not-so-hot score. Don’t be shy!

Con: You may have to participate … and think critically. In order to do either, you will have to complete the course requirements — that is, every page of every reading assignment.

Insider Tips

  • Don’t be scared of the big “H” Some honors program courses are actually easier in comparison to the gut-wrenching AP biology and calculus you might have taken in high school.
  • Ensure your enrollment One tried-and-true trick is to sign up for a few extra credits than you need to take in one semester — especially when you’re thinking about trying out an honors-level course. In the first week of the semester, swing by the class, assess the syllabus and size up the instructor. If it no longer interests you or seems like the workload would take time away from your other classes’ work (aka your social life), then you can drop it without worrying about having enough credits to graduate on time or finding another class to replace it.
  • Avoid large lecture honors classes These cover topics at an introductory level with a broader focus, but they might have as many as 80 students and lack the perks of an intimate class setting. And lecture series — honors or otherwise — can seriously bore you to death.
  • Seek smart company Honors courses do more than fine-tune your interests and work your brain into a sweat. As a reward for taking on the challenge, they’ll place you among the brightest of your peers and introduce you to faculty members who can offer new perspectives and solid career advice.
college costs, college planning, scholarships

Frame My Future Scholarship

frame-my-future-scholarship

I’m always on the lookout for scholarship opportunities for college-bound teens. And when I find one that doesn’t require an essay, I’m ecstatic. Why? Because there is always that student out there that is loaded with creativity, but not the best wordsmith.

Frame My Future Scholarship, sponsored by Church Hill Classics, asks applicants to “upload an original creation that shares with us what you want to achieve in your personal and professional life after college.  The main guideline is that your creation must be submitted within one image, in a JPEG format.” This allows for creativity to abound because images can be photographs, collages, a scrapbook page, a poem–just as long as it’s a single JPEG image that can be uploaded.

This year’s scholarship contest is coming to a close, but there’s a link on their site to VOTE for one of the top 24 finalists (give these creative college-bound teens some votes) AND a link to  sign up to receive information on next year’s scholarship. What could be simpler?

As always, I recommend you keep a scholarship file (either online or in a folder) with all your scholarship finds so that when the time arises to apply, you won’t forget about a single one!

Kudos to Church Hill Classics for coming up with this unique scholarship!

college costs, college planning, financial aid, scholarships

Paying for College? Your Financial Options

paying-for-collegeCollege isn’t cheap.  My College Guide has been saying that for years – 20 years to be exact!  But don’t let a tiny matter like cost take your college bound hopeful off the college track!  You should know that, when it comes to paying for college: you’ve got options.

Federal Loans – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, could send free college aid your family’s way!  No matter what your financial situation may be, you and your teen should fill out the form, online or mail-in.  Circumstances change – and colleges often require a completed FAFSA in order to consider your son or daughter for college-specific loans and scholarships!

Work — Study Programs — Sometimes nicknamed “self help aid” work-study programs are often provided by the college your teen actually wants to attend.  There is a Federal Work-Study Program and state programs as well.  It’s one way that your teen can help pay their way through college – and gain a little life experience in the process.

Grants and Scholarships — Simply applying to college will make your child eligible for some scholarships sponsored through the school. Of course, many scholarships are merit based. But, even if your college bound teen isn’t at the top of their class and the last sport your child played was tennis on the Wii – with the right scholarship or grant, lack of athletic or academic achievement may not matter.  There are scholarships and grants out there to fit every student: no kidding.  Your son or daughter can find free money to match their ethnicity, intended college major, religion, SAT scores, hobbies, and then some.  Many colleges have their own specific scholarships and/or grants that cover a range of abilities and majors.  To get started, have your teen sit down with their high school guidance counselor or surf the web for free money that fits!

Student Loans – There are various loan options: state, federal, and even loans from your child’s choice college.  Loans do need to be paid back and there will be interest tacked on but repayments are very often deferred — at least until your child completes their college career.  It’s good to know that when all else fails – there is still an option!

My College Guide has provided free college info with a 100+ page annual magazine for high achieving high school sophomores for over twenty years.  We are rapidly expanding online – find us on Facebook and Twitter and say “hello!“

admissions, college guidance, college planning

Top 5 Ways to get OFF the Waiting List

In the life of a high school senior, it doesn’t get much more nerve wracking than the month of April. This is the time of year when high school seniors finally receive the news on which colleges have accepted or rejected them and they only have less than a month until May 1st, National Candidates Reply Date. Fat envelopes are good, thin ones are bad, but there are also the half-good/half-bad envelopes saying you are in the admissions purgatory known as the waiting list.

by Lars Leetaru-WSJ Online
Photo by Lars Leetaru-WSJ Online

Edward B. Fiske, author of the #1 bestselling Fiske Guide to Colleges states, “Colleges use waitlists because they are not sure how many of the applicants receiving fat envelopes will actually enroll. Waitlists are their safety valves.”

Fiske advises high school seniors who find themselves on the waitlist of the school of their choice to send a deposit to your first choice among colleges that did accept you to ensure you have a place to go. If you prefer to go to a school where you are on the waitlist, go on the offensive:

Top 5 Ways to Get Off the Wait List and Get Accepted to the College of Your Choice:

  1. Send a letter ASAP to the admissions director emphasizing your unyielding desire to attend. State specifically why you think the match is a good one and highlight new information.
  2. Call to see if you can arrange a campus interview. “Students who have been offered regular admission waitlist status are well advised to pay a visit by mid-April, perhaps with a set of recent grades in hand,” says Peter Van Buskirk, former Dean of Admissions at Franklin and Marshall.
  3. Send examples of impressive work. This is particularly relevant if you have an area of special talent or if you have produced new work of which you are especially proud.
  4. Ask a current teacher to write a recommendation highlighting your recent achievements. Ask teachers who wrote letters for you previously to send updates.
  5. Ask your guidance counselor to write or call and see that the admissions office is kept up to date with your grades and other achievements.

These are great tips for any college-bound teen who finds themselves on the wait list. My motto for this: it ain’t over till it’s over! In the future, I will be reviewing the Fiske Guide to Getting Into College.