Tag Archives: college

college costs, tech gadgets, technology

Investing in a laptop for college

laptop

If you have a teen heading off to college in the fall, these upcoming weeks are a great time to get ready for college: like purchasing books and dorm room furniture and supplies to be ready for the first day of class.  And hopefully, many students received some of these supplies as graduation gifts.  One of the most necessary items to have before stepping foot on campus in the fall is a laptop.  Laptops offer supreme portability and efficiency, aspects which make them an essential item for all college students.

And parents, laptops have far more uses for your children than checking Facebook every ten minutes and playing online games.  With a laptop, students can easily and more effectively take notes during class and Skype their parents to tell them face-to-face how school’s going.  But there are so many laptops to choose from–how do you decide?

Fortunately, Parents Countdown to College Coach has a laptop comparison tool, powered by FindTheBest, that enables parents and their children to narrow down the best laptops for their needs and preferences.  With the widget below, you can sort through hundreds of laptops by price, display size, battery life, and Smart Rating (a single rating based on technical specifications and review scores from expert sources).  Also, if you want to narrow down the list, just filter the search by price range, display, battery life, and storage range, and also laptop type.  If and when you find the laptop that best fits your child’s needs (and your budget!), you can purchase it directly from Amazon, and it will be at your doorstep in a week or less.

[findthebest container_style=”width:520px;margin:0 auto;” width=”520″ height=”400″ style=”vertical-align:top;” src=”http://laptops-and-notebooks.findthebest.com/w/srp?new=2&w=520&h=400&amazon_id=parecountocol-20″ after_style=”text-align:center;” link_href=”http://laptops-and-notebooks.findthebest.com” link_style=”font:10px/14px arial;color:#3d3d3d;” link_text=”Compare Laptops and Notebooks”]

Also, a crucial accessory to have for laptops in college are headphones.  Whether your child wants to listen to music while he’s in the library, or he needs to watch a documentary for class while his roommate is asleep, this item comes in handy very often.  Like laptops, determining which earphones are right for them is a difficult process.  Check out the widget below to find and purchase the right headphones for your kids!

[findthebest container_style=”width:520px;margin:0 auto;” width=”520″ height=”400″ style=”vertical-align:top;” src=”http://head-phones.findthebest.com/w/srp?new=2&w=520&h=400&filter_by=Price&amazon_id=parecountocol-20″ after_style=”text-align:center;” link_href=”http://head-phones.findthebest.com” link_style=”font:10px/14px arial;color:#3d3d3d;” link_text=”Compare Headphones”]

 

parenting

Preparing for your college student’s first trip home

 

coming home from collegeOnce you’ve sent your teen off to the Ivory Tower to fill his head with knowledge, your first thoughts are probably of when you’ll see him again. You may have to wait until a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, when he’ll have some time off from school, and that can be a long wait for a parent who has spent the last eighteen years seeing a child every day. So you may be tempted to smother him with parental love from the moment you pick him up at the airport to the second he tears himself away from your grasp to go back to school. But while you’ve been missing him he’s no doubt grown accustomed to living his own life. It’s the way of things. However, he’s likely been a little homesick, and when he comes to visit he’ll be jonesing for some of his faves. So here are just a few tips to prepare your college student for their homecoming.

Continue reading Preparing for your college student’s first trip home →

college guidance, parenting

5 relaxing activities for college students

 

college-activities-580x385When you send your kids off to college, you know they’re going to have some fun. And you can’t blame them. After all, they are working hard to earn a degree, so it only makes sense that they would play hard in their off-time. Plus, they’re away from your supervision for the first time, and the thrill of making their own decisions (and having no curfew or rules) can lead to a lot of late nights out with their friends. At some point, though, their hard partying might get the best of them, leaving them fatigued, ill, and unable to perform their duties as a student. In this case, you might want to suggest some activities that could not only be fun for them, but also more relaxing. Here are just a few relaxing activities for college students that will ensure they have a great time without compromising their education in the process.

  1. Learn an instrument. Most students are already learning a lot thanks to their heavy course load, but taking up an instrument is an entirely different beast. Playing music forces the mind to switch gears, which can lead to increased focus and calm. It can drive away the clamor produced by cramming one’s head full of new facts and help students to release some tension, forget their worries, and get back to a healthy mental state.
  2. Host a movie night. Having fun with friends doesn’t have to include running around all night or getting crazy. Sometimes a night in the common room with popcorn or pizza and a few good movies is just what the doctor ordered.
  3. Play a team sport. This might not sound like a particularly relaxing activity, but the truth is that exercise can help to relieve stress and boost endorphins, making students feel great. This can be even more effective when playing a sport like baseball or doubles tennis, which can be relaxing and still boost endorphins. Think about whether or not you want to buy a new baseball bat or glove and join a team or maybe catch a doubles game of tennis. It can also help to induce a good night’s sleep, which pretty much any college kid could use. In addition, it allows students to spend quality time with their friends away from the books and the parties. In short, sports could be the most positive and beneficial activity your kids partake of on campus (well, aside from attending classes, studying, and ultimately earning a degree).
  4. Create online scrapbooks. Family and friends back home want to stay apprised of what students are up to when they go away to college, but most kids don’t have a ton of extra time to call and Skype with everyone they know. However, smartphones and tablets make it easy for students to keep photo journals of their campus experience, and all they have to do is upload them to a social networking account like Instagram or Facebook in order to share. Of course, they can also have a little more fun with the process by using Pinterest to create pinboards for specific events like spring break, sporting events, and clubs they’ve joined, just for example.
  5. Picnic on the quad. Students spend so much time running back and forth across campus to get to class that they might never take the time to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. So instead of spending their study time indoors, they could load up a picnic basket for lunch on the quad. Or if they really want to relax, they could leave the books for an hour or two and enjoy a long lunch (and maybe some frisbee) with friends.

Relaxing is just as important for college students as it is for adults. Relaxation relieves stress and allows your student an opportunity to recharge.

Uncategorized

Eat, sleep, and be merry: a college guide to health

college health issuesThe number of children going to college has grown steadily for the past fifty years. From a parent’s standpoint their children are leaving the home for the first time, and many are ill prepared for the realities of life on their own. Despite the financial, emotional, and physical preparations, many students are simply not ready for the day to day struggles of life away from home.

Improper hygiene and the lack of good eating habits is one of the major causes of illness with college students. It’s true that students try to survive on mac-n-cheese and soda, but these type of eating habits can affect the student’s overall health. Combine poor eating with too much drinking and not enough sleep, and it’s a wonder that college students are continually at the health center. With only a few minor changes and instruction, the health of our youth at college can be vastly improved.

Encourage your kids to get regular checkups. With all the sicknesses that go around it’s important to guard against the ever-present flu and cold viruses through proper hygiene. Simply washing your hands can ward off many potential threats. There are a few services to help beyond the campus health clinic; services like the school medical center can provide a wide range of answers to important health issues.

Some people might believe that just because you’re studying medicine, you’ll be far better prepared to avoid being sick. Maybe your child is medically-minded, already looking to change from an online paramedic to rn (Registered Nurse)! But still, even medical students get sick sometimes!

Make sure your students get vaccinated and that their vaccinations are up to date, especially if they plan on taking any exciting holiday excursions out of the country. But even if they don’t travel, the close proximity to so many other students makes vaccinations imperative.

Fight fatigue by getting plenty of restful sleep. Insufficient sleep can negatively affect the brain processes, making test taking and even attentiveness in class a serious problem. Encourage your students to establish a good sleep routine and to avoid excessive drinking, caffeine and all night study binges.

Eating a balanced diet is perhaps the most important factor in staying healthy and being able to ward off viruses like colds and flus. Learning what foods are healthy and which are not is often beyond the experience of many students. Knowing how to cook is an important skill that helps ensure a balanced diet.

Exercise can vary radically from student to student but the reality is that daily exercise is an essential part of staying healthy. How they exercise is not so important, but vigorous daily exercise helps students develop a routine of heart pumping fun that builds their stamina and increases the blood flow to essential areas of the body, the brain included. It is the brains we’re trying to improve.

When health is the goal students will find their college life more fulfilling, more fun and more exciting. They will be able to participate in as many activities as possible, enjoy the excursions and learn to enjoy the process of learning and be ready to take on the world.

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!

 

college costs, college guidance, financial aid, parenting

How much financial support should you provide for your college student?

 

 

imagesIt is estimated that by the time a single child reaches the age of 18, his parents will have spent approximately $300,000, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (which releases annual reports on family spending). And that doesn’t include the cost of college. Of course, this report factors in housing, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare, and a number of other elements. But it comes out to about $13,000-14,000+ per year in expenses for a child in a median-income household (earning roughly $60,000-100,000 annually in taxable income). Unfortunately, your costs don’t end when your kids head off to college. In fact, they could increase significantly. You’ll still have to pay for your own home, car, food, and more, but you’ll also be on the hook for additional living expenses for your kids since they are no longer at home, not to mention tuition, books, fees, and other costs associated with college – unless of course you decide not to pay.

In truth, you have no onus to pay for your kids’ college education. However, most parents feel that it is their duty to ensure that their children attend college so they can start a career and realize their full potential on a professional level rather than toiling away at the dead-end jobs that high-school grads are often relegated to. In short, many parents want to set their kids up for the best chances in life, and that often includes the advanced education and expanded job prospects that college can provide. But you might not have the money to pay for it all, especially if you have a limited income and a large family, and the truth is that you don’t have to. The only question is how much you should pay.

This figure can be difficult to determine. The government has some guidelines in place, which is why you’re required to submit financial information via the FAFSA(based on previous year’s tax returns) when your kids apply for federal financial aid. They expect parents to take responsibility for at least a portion of the expenses associated with sending their kids to college. However, you can always provide more or less, depending on the needs of your children and your own financial situation. A good rule of thumb, in general, is to offer what you can afford while still keeping your own budget in order. There are a couple of good reasons to do this.

For one thing, it’s important to teach your kids to live within their means, and you can set a good example by doing so yourself. This could mean that your kids end up attending a less expensive institution or living at home so that they can save on living expenses and put that money towards higher tuition costs at their school of choice. Or they might be forced to work a part-time job to pay a portion of their own expenses so that they can attend their dream school. Either way, you avoid financial ruin and your kids learn some very adult lessons. Whether you are able to send them overseas to attend Oxford or they stay home and attend colleges like the University of Cincinnati, the most important thing is that you be honest about what you are willing and able to offer in terms of financial support so that your kids can make an informed decision about their future.

college guidance, college planning, parenting

5 Things you can do to help your kids succeed in college

photogirl2Every parent wants their kids to succeed, but most flounder when it comes to figuring out their role in contributing to those accomplishments. It’s not so hard when kids are little; teaching them to tie their shoes, share their toys, and look both ways when crossing the street is fairly easy. But as your kids get older they may become more resistant to your efforts and advice, even when you’re trying to help them reach their goals. This is a natural phenomenon. As children enter adolescence they begin to develop a strong urge to assert their independence. This is an important part of forming a separate identity and figuring out who they are and what they stand for. Without going through this phase they cannot hope to become mature, confident, and competent adults. So to some degree you need to let them make their own decisions, even though it’s your job to keep them safe, rein them in, and give them a reality check once in a while. And of course, there are still many ways that you can help them to succeed when they get to college, even if they don’t necessarily want your advice.

  1. Planning. When it comes to planning for college your kids may need help studying for SATs and PSATs. You might not be able to quiz them yourself but you can certainly hire a specialized tutor to ensure that they get the best possible score (increasing their chances for both admission and scholarships). And although they may have their hearts set on a particular university, you must urge them to find other suitable schools and apply to several so that they have plenty of options. You can even arrange for campus tours to help them make this life-altering decision.
  2. Financial aid. You might not have the money to cover the entire college tab, but thanks to student loans, scholarships, grants, and other resources you probably won’t have to. That said, most lenders will expect parents to cover a portion of the bill, based on income tax returns. And you probably want to contribute to the ongoing education of your children anyway to increase their odds of earning a degree and finding gainful employment (rather than living in your basement for the rest of their lives). A nice bonus of helping your kids financially while they’re in college is that it can ease their stress level so that they can devote more energy to their studies.
  3. Emotional support. While most kids are raring to go when it comes to leaving home, many find the stresses of their new situation to be somewhat overwhelming. So whether they’re trying to cope with homesickness, anxiety, or social issues, you can help to keep them on track by making yourself available for calling, texting, Skyping, and other forms of communication, listening to their problems and consoling or advising them as needed.
  4. Professional connections. If you happen to know people in the industries your kids are studying for careers in, you can use your connections to get them internships or perhaps even part-time work during their college years. This can help them to determine if they’re on the right track even as they gain valuable experience (along with school credit or a paycheck).
  5. Room and board. If you don’t have the money to give your kids the campus living experience, you can at least offer them room and board for free while they’re in school instead of making them get a job to pay rent somewhere else. This will give them the freedom to focus on school without having to worry so much about money or spend their time working to pay the bills when they should be attending to their studies. Whether your student is starting at a community college, attending a nearby university, or studying from home with a program from http://www.onlinenursingdegrees.maryville.edu, their opportunities for success in college could increase dramatically if they live at home.

Taking the above advice and putting it to practice will go a long way in ensuring they will succeed in college.

college guidance, college planning, organization, parenting

25 Twitter accounts every parent of a college-bound teen should follow

19 Comments

 

If you have a college-bound teen, you should have a Twitter account. There is a wealth of information out there from scholarships, to admissions, to financial aid, to help with choosing a college. Here is my list of the MUST FOLLOW on Twitter. It’s easy to follow these if you make a list (college experts) and add these follows to the list. That makes it easier to read their feeds and find them as you are scanning through the multitude of information on Twitter.

  1. @SuzanneShaffer https://twitter.com/SuzanneShaffer
  2. @collegevisit https://twitter.com/collegevisit
  3. @askjohnabout https://twitter.com/askjohnabout
  4. @jodiokun https://twitter.com/JodiOkun
  5. @payingforschool https://twitter.com/PayingForSchool
  6. @zinch https://twitter.com/Zinch
  7. @collegeblogs https://twitter.com/CollegeBlogs
  8. @collegeboard https://twitter.com/CollegeBoard
  9. @JaneKulow https://twitter.com/CVLKulow
  10. @CPofAmerica https://twitter.com/CPofAmerica
  11. @scholarshipscom https://twitter.com/Scholarshipscom
  12. @AidScholarship https://twitter.com/AidScholarship
  13. @collegeweeklive https://twitter.com/CollegeWeekLive
  14. @NancyBerk https://twitter.com/nancyberk
  15. @HappiestKid https://twitter.com/HappiestKid
  16. @fujifulgueras https://twitter.com/fujifulgueras
  17. @collegemoneyblg https://twitter.com/collegemoneyblg
  18. @4collegeparents https://twitter.com/4collegeparents
  19. @simpletuition https://twitter.com/SimpleTuition
  20. @unigo https://twitter.com/Unigo
  21. @studentadvisor https://twitter.com/StudentAdvisor
  22. @preppedpolished https://twitter.com/PreppedPolished
  23. @PeterVanBuskirk https://twitter.com/PeterVanBuskirk
  24. @getcollege https://twitter.com/getcollege
  25. @collegeadvice https://twitter.com/collegeadvice

In addition to these 25, do a search for the colleges your student is considering and add those feeds to the list.

You might also like:

Online College Resources for Parents

Smartphone Apps for Students

Your Parent Arsenal-strength for the journey

admissions, college guidance, college planning, financial aid

Do you need help with the college process?

I’m hearing more and more from parents that they are desperate for help and answers. It seems they are drowning in the sea of college information out there. They don’t know who to listen to, where to go for help, and how to make the best use of the help they find.

There are two tools that will answer every question you ever had about how to handle the multitude of questions related to the college admissions process: my Parents Countdown to College Toolkit AND Paul Hemphill’s Plan for College Videos. Both resources will help you help your student navigate the college maze. If you own both you can finally sleep at night!

For a limited time only (until September 30th), Paul and I are offering parents a 2 for 1 special–buy my Parents Countdown to College Toolkit and you receive a FREE subscription to Paul’s Plan for College Video Series. These tools can save your family hundreds or even thousands in college costs and help you help your student market themselves to the colleges, thus receiving multiple scholarships.

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 The best help available to help parents navigate the college maze.

If you’re a parent of a college-bound teen, you can’t afford to pass up this opportunity. You and your student will have the peace of mind, knowing that all your questions are answered and you have done everything you can to help them get into their first choice college (with scholarships and merit-aid, of course!).

Click this link to learn more about the Toolkit,

purchase and score your 2 for 1 deal!

college planning, infographics

The path to your dream college

Every student who aspires to attend college has a dream college. This infographic lines up clearly the steps every student should take to position themselves for college acceptance. Just remember that a dream college should be the college that fits the student. For some students, the best online college could be their dream college; just as their parents’ alma mater could be for another. If you follow these steps, once you find that perfect fit college, then it should be the college of your dreams.

 

Getting Into the College of Your Dreams