Category Archives: Guest Posts

college apps, Guest Posts, Uncategorized, websites

A Tool to Master the Dreaded Application Essay

 

college essay toolThe college application season is now in full swing and if you listen closely enough, you might be able to make out the tap-tapping of millions of seniors across the globe writing their application essays.  If you happen to be one of those students or a parent of one, I’d like to introduce you to Edswell, an application essay management tool that makes the whole process a lot easier.

So…what does it do? First, it gives you all of the application essay and deadline requirements for a student’s college list, in one click. Required, optional, supplemental, program-specific…all of them.  Students often spend days or weeks getting all of this information, now they can get it in a few seconds.

Second, it provides a beautiful essay management system that automatically organizes, syncs, and version controls every draft (built on Dropbox).  Instead of creating a folder and filling it with files, users simply click on the school and essay they want to work on – all drafts are viewable in an attractive feed-style format.

Third, it allows students to easily invite anyone to review a draft.  Reviewers do not need an Edswell account.  When the edited version is sent back to Edswell by a reviewer, it is incorporated into the feed for that essay, where differences between drafts are automatically highlighted.

Finally, it allows parents and counselors to track student progress.  Sometimes seniors need a nudge…Edswell gives the nudgers the information they need to make it happen.

You can give the platform a try for free for 30 days, no credit card required to sign up.  Just visit http://edswell.com and click “Free Trial.”  Oh, and for those interested in more information, there’s a short video walkthrough on the website.

I’d like to end with a salute to the seniors who are undertaking the not-insignificant task of memorializing their narratives, stories, and experiences in their application essays.  And Sam, if you’re reading this, I think it’s okay to start your Common App essay with “What’s a BA without a good burrito?”

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alex thalerAlex Thaler is the CEO of Edswell and the author of “The Art of the Personal Statement.”  He received his BA from UC Berkeley and JD from University of Pennsylvania.  In his non-existent spare time he enjoys woodworking and dreaming about moving to Hawaii.

Guest Posts, social networks

Mom-Approved Tips: Teaching Your Kids to Respect Themselves Online

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respectToday, teaching your teens to respect themselves online is just as important as any other life lesson and when college is on the horizon, it is more essential than ever. Gone are the simple nuggets of advice which our parents put so much weight on; now it takes a steadfast determination to somehow get across what many teens think they already know.

Teaching the potential pitfalls of social media communication requires determination, cleverness, reverse psychology, and, if need be, tough love.

Watch the Traps

Social media strips away the ability to tune into someone’s social clues. Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair, a clinical psychologist and author of The Big Disconnect comments,

“In a way, texting and online communicating puts everybody in a nonverbal disabled context, where body language, facial expression, and even the smallest kinds of vocal reactions are rendered invisible.”

Because of this, there are many possible pitfalls your teen can fall into without them even knowing it. These pitfalls can manifest into adversely affecting their self-esteem, confidence, and overall self-respect. Some of these to watch for and discuss include:

  • Impostor Syndrome – Because image is so important to teens, it isn’t uncommon for them to create faux and/or multiple online personas. Talk with them about true identity and online identity, being sure to make them think about the difference between the two.
  • Stalking – It’s easy to annoy people online, but not only can it rapidly degenerate one’s reputation it can, in extreme cases, like cyber bullying, turn illegal. In addition, the hyper connection that kids have been living with could turn them into a recluse during college. Practice digital breaks and discuss how digitally harassing someone only creates unnecessary anxiety for both parties.
  • The Record – Sexting, private pictures/videos, and dangerous language are only a few of the traps that teens can slip into, especially once on their own at school. If your child doesn’t already know that every single thing they do on their computer is recorded, they should be told. Nothing can be deleted without a professional IT swipe and if something is emailed or texted, it is out there forever. A bad online decision, for any reason, can throw a teen into such a depressing funk that gaining back their self-respect may be a real uphill battle.

Helpful Apps

Thankfully, the digital universe is not all that bad and when it comes to teaching your teens to respect themselves online, a variety of available apps may help. Before they head to college, offer to buy or download apps that address:

  • Fitness– The “freshman fifteen” is a common term tossed around college campuses, but it needn’t apply to your child. There are great apps to track daily fitness and help your child maintain their weight and inevitably their self-respect.
  • Affirmations – A daily pop up quoting a positive affirmation may be just what your teen needs during the trials and tribulations of college life.
  • Life Coach– Yes, there are digital life coach apps that can assist your child with life problems they may not want to discuss with you.
  • Books – They’re still around, just not the tangible kind. Send them off with a downloaded book or two that you feel may help them keep their chin up.

Stay Connected

Stay connected, not with a device but with your heart. As cliché as that may sound, the Child Mind Institute describes some good habits to boost your teens digital self-respect,

“Establish technology-free zones in the house and technology-free hours when no one uses the phone, including mom and dad.”

Dr. Steiner-Adair advises,

“Give them your full attention until they’re out the door. And neither of you should be using phones in the car to or from school because that’s an important time to talk.”

Keep teaching your teens to respect themselves online and once they start college they’ll hopefully have a good foundation to beth them through unscathed.

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Today’s guest post is from Tara Heath, a journalist in Southern California. As a mom of two teens, college is on the horizon and she is constantly looking for ways to teach her kids the importance of using the internet and social media wisely.

Guest Posts, test prep

The Ultimate Guide to the PSAT

 

Anthony-James Green is a world-renowned SAT and ACT tutor with over 10,000 hours of experience teaching these tests, crafting curriculum, and training other tutors to teach their own students. He is also the founder of TestPrepAuthority.com. CNN recently named Anthony: “The SAT tutor to the 1%”. He’s providing today’s post: The Ultimate Guide to the PSAT.

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psatOf all the standardized tests on the market today, few are less understood than the PSAT.  Almost every client who comes my way has the
same three questions about the PSAT:

1. What’s the difference between the PSAT and the SAT?

2. What’s the point of the PSAT?

3. How does my child prepare for the PSAT?

By the end of this short guide, you’ll know the answers to all three questions, and you’ll have an actionable plan that you can use to conquer this exam and get on with your life!  Without further ado, let’s start The Ultimate Guide to the PSAT.

What’s the difference between the PSAT and the SAT?

The simplest answer to this question?  Almost nothing.  For all intents and purposes, the PSAT and the SAT are almost exactly the same test.  The only differences between the two exams:

1. The PSAT doesn’t have an essay portion.

2. The PSAT is shorter.

The difficulty level of both exams is exactly the same, the material tested is the same, and the format is practically identical.  The PSAT is just a shorter version of the SAT without the essay.  Even the scoring is the same – while the SAT gives you an “out of 2400” grade, with three sections worth 800 points each, the PSAT gives you an “out of 240” grade, with three sections worth 80 points each.  A 50 on the PSAT math section is a 500 on SAT math, a 67 in Writing is a 670 in SAT writing, etc.  Which brings up a good question: if the two tests are so similar, what’s the point of offering the PSAT in the first place?

What’s the POINT of the PSAT?

The PSAT has two major purposes:

1. To give students and parents an idea of where their SAT scores currently stand.

In many ways, this is the most important aspect of the PSAT.  Many parents assume that their children will get good SAT scores because they’re smart, hard-working kids with good grades.  Here’s the issue: your SAT score has NOTHING to do with your academic performance.  The SAT has a bizarre, unique format that tests a limited, extremely random assortment of information in intentionally confusing ways.  I can’t tell you how many parents have said something like this to me:

“I can’t believe John got such a bad math score – he’s a great math student!”

SAT math and academic math are worlds apart.  Just because your child is a “good reader” or “good in English” does not mean that he or she will get a good SAT Reading or Writing score.

The PSAT is a “wakeup call” for parents and students alike.  If you know that you need 650+s to get into your target schools, and your PSAT scores are all in the 40-50 range, then it’s time to prep for the SAT!  Since the PSAT is administered as a requirement but most schools in the country, it’s a helpful warning system for students across the country.

2. The National Merit Scholarship

Students who score in the top ~3% of their state’s population on the PSAT are considered for the National Merit Scholarship.  Students who become National Merit Finalists are extremely coveted by competitive schools – the number of National Merit Finalists at any given school plays into the school’s ranking and prestige.  Furthermore, students who get NMF status can receive grants and scholarships for their tuition.  To learn more about this entire process, including the scores you’ll need, the process for becoming a finalist, etc., you can visit the official site here:

http://www.nationalmerit.org/

If you’re able to achieve NMF finalist status, you have an enormous leg up in the college admissions process.  Not only will you potentially receive free money for college, but you’ll also have a much better chance of getting in (and, because PSAT scores are directly indicative of SAT scores, there’s a darn good chance that you’ll have high SAT scores, which are essential for competitive college admissions).

If you’re interested in competing for the National Merit Scholarship, the key is to start early.  Getting a high SAT score takes time, diligence, and effective preparation.  Which brings us to our third question:

How does my child prepare for the PSAT?

The same exact way that you prepare your child for the SAT!  There’s literally no difference between an effective SAT prep program and an effective PSAT prep program.  If you simply prep your child for the SAT, he or she will have all the skills necessary to crush the PSAT and compete for National Merit Finalist status.

However, there are a few key details that you’ll want to keep in mind:

1. Call your child’s school and find out exactly when the PSAT will be administered.

You need to think ahead, and it’s important that you know precisely when the PSAT will be given so that you can prepare accordingly.

2. Give your child at least two months to prepare.

A solid SAT prep program takes at least two months (and ideally four or five).  If you have less time than this, all is not lost – but you need to get started immediately.

3. Avoid classroom SAT courses like the plague.

Countless studies have shown how remarkably ineffective these courses are.  Choose either an online, self-directed course, or, if you have the means, get a reputable one-on-one SAT tutor.  Never spend your money on SAT classroom courses, which charge you upwards of $1,000 to read a book out loud to your child.

4. No matter which prep option you choose, be sure that it has both an excellent track record of results and extensive testimonials and references.

There are few barriers to entry in the SAT prep space, and literally anyone can become a tutor, write a book, or craft a program.  No matter which online course or tutor you choose, be sure that you know exactly what past students have experienced, and be sure that the option comes highly recommended.

That’s all there is to it!

The PSAT is simply a “warm up” for the SAT, but if you do well, you’ll be able to achieve scholarships, gain a leg up in the admissions process, and get a headstart on your SAT prep.  If you’re interested in shooting for a NMS Finalist position, get started as soon as possible.

Thanks so much for reading my guide, and good luck with your prep!

 

essays, Guest Posts, Uncategorized

Answering the Common App Essay Prompts

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essayOver the past five years I have read and commented on hundreds of essays from students all over the country. As a result of that work, I have two categories of advice: general essay-writing tips (which we’ll discuss soon), and specific ways to make the Common App essay prompts work for you.

The big idea here is that the story you want to tell matters a lot more than the prompt you attach to it. Most stories are about more than one thing, so yours might be about identity and failure, or about contentment and coming of age. So write the story first, and then figure out how to pitch it to an admissions committee. Having said that, it’s still useful to understand the questions. So let’s look at them in detail:

1. Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

There are several ways to read this question:  Is your ethnic, racial, cultural, or linguistic background central to your identity? Do you have a specific story you can tell that illustrates that in an engaging way? Sweet. Try it and see how it goes.

But that’s not the only thing way to answer this question. It can also be about what it felt like when your family moved from Oklahoma to NYC, and how that move made you who you are today. It could be about the birth of your little sister the summer before your junior year, and how becoming one of her primary caregivers changed your perception of yourself.

2. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

One way to think about this question is that’s not really about the failure at all, but rather, about the response to failure. It’s an opportunity for you to tell the admissions officers how you respond to adversity. What’s nice about this question is that you don’t have to pretend that your failure was actually a success, or any of that job-interview nonsense. If you face-planted in epic style, write about that, as long as you then write about how you dug all the gravel out of your face and kept going.

You can also add to your understanding of this question by thinking broadly about what it means to fail at something. You could write about failing tenth grade chemistry. But really, it would be a lot more interesting to write about how you came to the realization that no matter how hard you worked, your feet would never allow you dance on pointe. One of my students wrote about how she came to accept that fact, but that in doing so, she also discovered not only how to dance for pleasure again, but to enjoy other activities, too.

3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

Just like the question about failure, this question should be understood as broadly as possible. Don’t limit it to school. Do your parents believe that financial security is the only consideration in choosing a career, while you want to be an actor? Do your parents want you to follow your dreams, while you want something grounded and practical for yourself? Does your school worship athletic prowess, while you think social action is more important?

Stories about standing up to bullies or publishing an article in the school newspaper that the administration didn’t want you to are great examples, but bravery isn’t always loud and public; sometimes it’s quiet and private.

4. Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

What’s your favorite TV show? (Quick – just pick one.) Now, think about what makes that show your favorite. Is everyone in it happy all the time, and good friends all the time, and nothing ever happens because there’s no drama? A lot of my students have said things like, “I feel really content while playing the piano because it lets me lose myself in the music,” or “I feel really content in my grandmother’s kitchen.”

But being content doesn’t really make for a good story. So for this essay, try to think about why you feel content somewhere. One of my students wrote about being content in the dance studio at her school, and the process that led her to feel that way. She hadn’t always felt content there. In fact, for a while she had felt intimidated there. The essay turned out to be about how she grew into herself, both as a dancer and as a leader.

5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Just as the failure question isn’t really about failure, this one isn’t really about the accomplishment or event: it’s about how you fit into your community. So you can write about your bar or bat mitzvah, or your quinceañera, but you could also write about your first job, or the time you had to put your dog down, or what you learned from looking after your younger sibling.

Remember when I said that the story matters more than the prompt? That’s because all the prompts are really the same prompt, asking for the same story: “Tell us how you’ve grown and matured over time.”

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­Today’s guest post is by Rachel Shulman of Shulman & Hill, LLC. Rachel is a passionate teacher, and her students often comment that this passion and excitement for her subject makes them more interested, sometimes in spite of themselves. She has helped students achieve their goals in all three AP History classes and both AP English classes, as well as on the Reading Comprehension and Writing sections of the ACT and SAT. Since the fall of 2010, she has edited over 300 college application essays, working both on her own and with independent educational consultants.

A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in History, Rachel also holds an MA in History and an MS in Library and Information Science, both from the University of Illinois – Urbana Champaign.  

Based in the Boston area, but with students all over the country, Shulman & Hill specializes in standardized test preparation, high school English, History, Math, Physics, Biology, and college application essays. We provide individualized learning plans tailored to the student’s unique learning style. Our goal is to leave our clients prepared for independent academic success.

Guest Posts, parenting, substance abuse

Mom-Approved Tips: Talking to Your Student About Drinking in College

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If you have a college-bound teen, you are more than likely concerned about drinking in college. Today’s guest post is from Susan Jones of Quad2Quad, the award-winning mobile app for college visits. For more than three decades, she was a psychotherapist in Washington D.C. specializing in substance abuse, and she spent ten years with Dunbar Educational Consultants counseling students and families on the college admission process. Most importantly, Susan is the mother of two grown sons who successfully navigated the college alcohol culture and had enjoyable and productive experiences, emerging as solid citizens with no regrets.

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drinking in collegeAs parents, we can and should play a key role in helping our sons and daughters create a healthy, thoughtful relationship with alcohol in college. This important responsibility can’t be outsourced. Our students cannot count on their peers, who are also living in a culture where moderation is not valued, for perspective.

Because binge drinking is common in college — though it is not the norm — students assume it must be okay and safe for them as well. They expect to pass through this portal unharmed. That will absolutely not be the case for many students. Parents need to help students figure out if they are “vulnerable current or potential problem drinkers“(VPDs) and advise them accordingly. Be prepared for the discovery that your student may not be able to drink in college. The combination of youth along with a student’s unique genetic response to alcohol may make the college alcohol environment too dangerous. Alcoholism is a progressive disease. The earlier problem drinking begins, the greater the likelihood of future addiction.

The 1st critical conversation to have before your student leaves for college:

Be sure your student understands that alcohol affects everyone differently. If she wants to emerge from college ever able to drink normally, she needs to be alert to signs of problem drinking in college. Because “everyone else is doing it” does not mean it will be safe for her.  If at any point she becomes worried about her relationship with alcohol, tell her to let you know and you will help her figure out how to get advice and support, or she can go directly to student health services.

The 2nd critical conversation for parents to have with students after first semester and throughout college as needed:

Ask your student very directly: What kind of effect does alcohol have on you? Are you feeling comfortable about your alcohol use? Have you gotten into any compromising situations because of it that you regret?

How do I know if my student is a “Vulnerable Problem Drinker” (VPD)?

Here are some risk factors:

  • A family history of alcoholism
  • Acquiring a taste for alcohol early (high school or before)
  • Being impulsive or capable of poor judgment in social or academic situations independent of alcohol; may be a disinterested or struggling student
  • Having a high capacity for drinking large amounts of alcohol without adverse physical reactions, triggering a taste for large amounts of alcohol
  • Or being very reactive to alcohol and prone to sickness, blackouts or irresponsible behavior after even one or two drinks
  • Being disinterested in drinking in moderation.

 What should I do if I believe my student is a VPD?

  • Don’t assume the problem will get better by itself, or imagine it’s “just a phase” your student will outgrow.
  • In a similar vein, do not allow your student to take blackouts or risky sexual behavior lightly. These behaviors are not healthy or acceptable. Refer your student to a mental health professional at school.
  • Make sure she gets actively involved with the alcohol recovery community on campus. Be extremely encouraging about this. When she’s home for vacations, steer her towards a local recovery group.
  • Greek membership is not to blame for the misbehavior of its members, but your student’s housing and social affiliations are going to play a big role in how much and how safely she drinks. Discourage membership in a fraternity or sorority unless your student can investigate the alcohol culture to see if there is ample opportunity for participating in divergent drinking styles.
  • If your student continues to exhibit problem behavior, it may be time to consider a semester off along with outpatient or inpatient rehab.
Guest Posts, parenting

Mom-Approved Tips: Knowing the Warning Signs of Cough Medicine Abuse

 

Years ago, I worked for the local school district creating drug awareness materials for Red Ribbon Week. I was shocked as a parent to discover that some teens will do just about anything to get high. From huffing paint, to taking ritalin, to abusing cough medicine. Today’s guest post is from Tammy Walsh, a high school math teacher with a passion for helping to educate teens on the dangers of substance abuse and a mother of two boys. She contributes to The Five Moms blog at stopmedicineabuse.org. Being passionate about this topic myself, I was happy to give her an opportunity to share her advice.

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cough medicine abuse
Photo from stopmedicineabuse.org

As your teen relaxes and enjoys some much needed time away from academia this summer, it’s important to keep in mind that this increased free/unsupervised time can also increase the likelihood of your teen engaging in risky activities. Underage drinking and smoking is at the forefront of parents’ minds when they think about what drugs teens are choosing to experiment with, but cough medicine abuse is usually not on the typical parent’s radar. Unfortunately, it should be. One out of 25 teens reports abusing over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicine to get high. Perhaps even more alarming, roughly one out of three teenagers knows someone who has abused cough medicine to get high.

As a parent, it’s overwhelming to think about looking out for yet another dangerous activity your teen may be engaging in, but we aren’t hopeless. The first step to combating teen cough medicine abuse is to familiarize yourself with the warning signs.

Signs of abuse of OTC cough medicine include:

  • Empty cough medicine boxes or bottles in the trash of your teen’s room, car, backpack or school locker
  • Your teen’s purchase or use of large amounts of cough medicine when he or she isn’t sick
  • Missing boxes or bottles of medicine from home medicine cabinets
  • Hearing your teen use certain slang terms for DXM abuse, such as skittles, skittling, tussin, robo-tripping, robo, CCC, triple Cs, dexing and DXM
  • Noticing that your teen has visited pro-drug websites that provide information on how to abuse DXM
  • Unusual internet orders, the arrival of unexpected packages, or unexplained payments for a credit card or PayPal account
  • Changes in your teen’s friends, physical appearance, sleeping or eating patterns
  • Declining grades
  • Your teen’s loss of interest in his or her hobbies or favorite activities
  • A hostile and uncooperative attitude
  • Unexplained disappearance of household money

Unusual chemical or medicinal smells on your teen or in his or her room. While some of these warning signs may appear to be normal, angsty teenage behavior, be sure to follow your natural instincts, trust your gut and directly address the situation if you suspect that your teen may be abusing medicine.

Visit stopmedicineabuse.org to learn more about cough medicine abuse and how to start the conversation about drug abuse with your teen.

 

college costs, Guest Posts

How to Get In-State Tuition if You Live Out of State

 

in state tuitionIs your child considering a school that is out-of-state? More than likely, you want to give them the ability to attend any of the schools that they are considering. However, this is difficult when in-state colleges carry far less expensive tuition fees. We’ve compiled some tips for getting in-state tuition for out-of-state students to help families solve this cost dilemma.

1. Plan ahead

The more time you give yourself to plan, the more opportunities you will have to obtain tuition benefits. It pays to research, as many of your savings options can last through all four years of college. Also, it is important to apply to many of these benefits early, giving you preference over other applicants.

2. Understand the college’s rules

Some schools have stricter in-state tuition qualification requirements than others. It is important to research the rules for each school that your child may be considering. Some colleges require students to have graduated high school in the state or have a parent living in the state. Others allow in-state residency for students that live in the state for one year and are financially independent from their parents. It completely depends on each school. Check out Finaid.org for a list of links to each school’s rules regarding in-state residency requirements.

3. Fill out forms carefully

Make sure you completely understand the rules for each school so that you do not make any mistakes or omit any information when filing for residency. Be cautious when filling out forms and be sure to look them over before submitting them. If you have any questions, be sure to utilize the college’s admissions offices by giving them a call. As a result, you can be sure to submit the correct information.

4. Avoid penalties

Try to avoid the negative consequences of making a mistake. The penalties assessed to students for inaccurate in-state residency range from expulsion from school to being charged for past tuition at an out-of-state price.

5. Research academic reciprocation agreements

There are currently four regional programs that help students obtain lower out-of-state costs compared to the full out-of-state tuition. These programs are made available to students interested in specific majors. Students must qualify and there is usually a cap on how many students can receive this benefit from each college.

The Western Undergraduate Exchange helps resident of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming gain access to out-of-state schools. Students from one of these states are eligible to receive a reduced tuition rate of 150% of in-state costs at a school outside their home state. This includes two and four-year institutions. Again, this depends on how many spaces are available for WUE students at each school.

Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia all participate in The Academic Common Market. This program offers tuition savings to students if an institution in their home state does not offer them the program that they are looking to study.

The Midwest Student Exchange Program offers students in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, or Wisconsin a similar benefit.

The New England Board of Higher Education offers a tuition break program referred to as the New England Regional Student Program. This allows students that are permanent residents in the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont to receive tuition aid. With this program, students may qualify if the out-of-state college they would like to attend is closer to home than an in-state college that offers the same academic program.

6. Hire an expert

In-State Angels helps students and families navigate the often confusing process of establishing residency in a different state. Avoid the risk of going at this by yourself and employ an Angel to help. ISA helps students gain residency in the fastest and most legal way possible, saving families like yours tens of thousands of dollars.

These tips can help you and your student by opening up as many college options as possible, even those you originally thought to be too expensive. Like we’ve been saying, it pays to do your research, so get searching and start saving!

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About the Author – Jake Wells founded In-State Angels in 2009 after graduating from the University of Colorado-Boulder with more debt than seemed reasonable. He is on a mission to prevent others from suffering a similar fate, and now advises students on how to get in-state tuition in the fastest way legally possible.

 

college visits, Guest Posts

Making the Most of Summer College Visits

 

summer college visitsCollege visits can determine what schools you apply to and which one you ultimately decide on as your top pick. Summer college visits allow you the opportunity to visit campuses in a less formal atmosphere and wander around the campus on a self tour. Classrooms may be empty, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting. The college doesn’t necessarily have to be on your list–visits to any college help you formulate the list and give you ideas on what you like and don’t like on campus.

However, paying attention on college tours can be difficult, especially when there is a lot of information to digest. When deciding on a college and looking back on your time at each one, you may even forget important factors that can sway your decision. Here is some advice to get you through each visit and keep track of all the key details.

Make a list of topics to discuss

Before arriving for the college tour, make a physical list of all the topics you and your parents would like to know more about. When compiling this list, keep in mind that general questions about what majors the school offers can be quickly answered by referencing the website. Ask questions about activities, clubs, research, and campus culture.

Ask questions and take notes

During the tour, take notes on anything relating to your major and interests. For example, if you are interested in majoring in biology, pay attention to research opportunities the guide may mention and any labs you tour. If you have not decided on a major, you can ask if there is a program for undeclared students. You will also be going through the freshman dorms, gym, library, and other facilities that are available to students. If you are interested in fitness, the condition of the gym and its equipment may be important to note. Will you be able to study at the library? Will your dietary restrictions be a problem at the cafeteria?

The tour guides may mention the kinds of activities available on campus. They may also know how big Greek life is, or if there are a variety of clubs to join. These are the biggest ways to meet others on campus. If you do not feel comfortable with joining a sorority or fraternity and most of the student body participates in Greek life, that college may not be the right choice for you.

Do some exploring

Once your tour is over, take time to explore the campus and surrounding city on your own. While walking around the school, look at the bulletin boards and posters to get a better idea of the types of events and activities offered.

It can be overwhelming to visit multiple colleges and keep all the information straight. However, by taking notes, the college application process won’t seem as daunting. Once you are done with each visit, reflect on your time and try to think about what you did and did not like about each school. If you have a list of pros and cons before even applying to colleges, you will be better able to determine your college preferences. As long as you are organized, you will be equipped to make a decision.

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 About the author: Priya Sudendra is a senior at University of Colorado and a staff writer for CollegeFocus, a website dedicated to helping students deal with the challenges of college, including housing, finance, style, health, relationships, and transferring from a community college to a four-year university.

You can follow CollegeFocus on Twitter and Facebook.

dorm life, Guest Posts

Dorm Decor Must-Haves for Your High School Grad

 

With high school graduation in full swing, finding the perfect dorm decor for your teen is next on the list. Take a look at these graduation gift ideas to be prepared for fall move in!

Dorm decorDecorative Curtains 

Students are going to want privacy when sharing their small space with a new roommate. Hanging a chevron curtain to the ceiling by their bed serves as an innovative room divider and also blocks out unwanted light. Choosing curtains with a bold print will bring in a youthful pattern to the space. Be sure to purchase curtains with ties or hunt for a contrasting ribbon to hold back the curtains when they’re not in use.

Dorm lightingLight it Up

String lights are one of the most popular decorations found in dorm rooms. Since candles are rarely allowed, string lights provide a similar ambiance to the room and create a cozy environment.  You can even find lights with small lanterns attached for a bohemian, outdoorsy theme. Take a look at Target and World Market, as they have a large selection of decorative lights to choose from. World Market’s burlap star lights are a personal favorite because they’re neutral and aren’t too bright.

Make it Cozy

The next four years are going to go fast, but it’s important for your teen’s dorm room to feel like home. Bring in area rugs to add warmth to the room, layer mix-matched throw pillows for contrast, and work in monograms where you can to personalize their space.  Coming up with a color scheme will also give the dorm a cohesive look.

Matching ottomans or floor poufs are an easy buy and are small enough that they can be tucked away when not in use.

Get Artsy 

Don’t forget about the walls! Hanging art on those drab, white dorm walls will truly transform the room. Wall decals, such as sticker frames, Etsy prints with inspirational quotes, and decorative mirrors are creative options for your new college student. The For Like Ever poster from Super Rural doesn’t miss a beat with its bold color and typography, and fun saying. Mood boards are another way to personalize their side of the room.  Buy colorful pushpins, paint a corkboard a bright color, and collect family photos and other memorabilia to collage with. During the next four years, this board will be a source of comfort and inspiration for your teen.

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This is a guest post by Erica Bryant of Roomations. Roomations is an interior design and e-decor site that connects you with professional designers for custom room concepts online. Work with up to three different interior designers to visualize your project then make it happen by taking to the streets (or your computer) with a shopping list that includes everything you’ll need. Custom interior design has never been so accessible, affordable and convenient! Start by finding your personal style with our free Style Quiz.

Guest Posts, study abroad

Consider Studying or Volunteering Abroad This Summer

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studying abroadFor many teens, it can be tempting to spend summers off from school hanging out with friends, sleeping in well past noon, and doing a whole lot of, well, nothing. And while it’s true that some downtime for your growing kids is absolutely necessary – two and a half months of doing nothing but lounging around is maybe not the healthiest option.

Encouraging your teens to get out and have some worthy, productive summer experiences is super important – for you, and for them. This is especially true if your teen is hoping to go to college, and possibly even win a scholarship or two. After all, what’s going to look better to a college admissions board – months of sitting around at home, or a worthwhile volunteer abroad program?

There are many different summer activities out there for high school students, but one of the best, and most beneficial, is the option of studying or volunteering abroad. High school study abroad has been on the rise for a few years now, and there are many reasons why:

1) Foreign language proficiency is an incredibly important skill to have in today’s world. And because younger students learn faster than college-aged students, your teen is more than likely going to be able to soak up another language pretty fast – giving him or her one awesomely marketable skill for the future.

2) Study abroad looks wonderful on college applications and resumes. Because it’s possible to earn college credit or community service hours while abroad, your child’s abroad experience will signal to college admissions counselors that he or she takes academics seriously. In addition, study abroad really helps imbue students with vital global leadership skills and a more balanced, worldly perspective – talk about a great resume-booster!

3) While abroad, your teen will receive a much richer education than a normal classroom would provide. Study abroad programs offer a chance to learn about a country’s language, history, and culture – while living in that country! This kind of in-depth, culturally-enriching education will be invaluable to your teen.

4) Gain good contacts and networking prospects for the future. You never know who you’ll meet when you seize an opportunity like the chance to study or volunteer abroad. Other than gaining good skills for a future job (it’s not that far off!), it’s entirely probable that your child could make some worthy connections for the future – and possibly even score a potential summer internship or employment opportunity.

5) Studying abroad is an amazing experience. Your teen will undoubtedly achieve new levels of maturity, focus, and tolerance while abroad – being immersed in a foreign culture just has a way of doing that to you. And, of course, study abroad is a wonderfully fun experience!

Just as an added bonus: high school study abroad doesn’t have to be expensive! Many programs offer scholarships, financial aid, or fundraising guides. So, start encouraging your teen to get out in the world and have a life-changing abroad experience!