Tag Archives: twitter chats

college planning, college prep, social networks

10 Twitter Chats for College Prep Success

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twitter chatsWith today’s technology, information is everywhere–from blogs, to social media, to college websites. But when you’re looking for information wouldn’t it be great to actually SPEAK with the experts and ask questions for FREE?

That’s what Twitter chats can do for you. Experts in the area of college prep gather together on Twitter during Twitter chats to provide you with the most up-t0-date information on the college application process.

For those of you who are new to Twitter chats, #SEOChat has a very good explanation of how they work, how to participate and even some good resources to search for more chats. But here are a few simple instructions:

  • Mark the chat date on your calendar and set a reminder so you don’t forget
  • Follow the chat’s hashtag on Twitter by using programs like Hootsuite, Twitter Chat or TweetChat. These programs help you keep the conversation in one place and make it easier to respond.
  • Follow the feed and ask questions if you are unclear about something. If it isn’t answered in the chat, feel free to DM the moderator or guest after the chat is over. Sometimes chats can be a bit chaotic if there are many attendees.
  • Favorite any tweets with links or information you feel will be helpful to research after the chat.

Chat times and dates change, but if you follow their Twitter feed you will be notified of any date and time changes.

Still not convinced these chats are worth you time? Check out my post: Why you should attend Twitter chats.

college prep, mom approved tips

Mom Approved Tips: Why You Should Attend Twitter Chats

 

twitter chat
from AndersonToons.com

We’ve all seen them-hashtags (#) on television shows, the news, and Facebook and Instagram. But how can hashtags help with college prep?

Twitter chats are a great way to engage users, have a discussion and enjoy a conversation with others of similar interests.

If you aren’t attending Twitter chats, you’re missing out on some of the BEST free advice about college prep. You’re missing out on connections to answer any of your college admissions questions. You’re missing out on connecting with other parents who are going through the same ups and downs navigating the college maze.

What are Twitter Chats?

A Twitter chat is a way for people to communicate about a specific topic (i.e. college prep). The hashtag allows participants to see your tweets and you to see their tweets. Without the hashtag, participants won’t be able to see what you have said or respond.

College prep experts use these chats to dispense information to parents and students about the college prep process. For parents, these chats can be invaluable.

How do you participate?

For those adept at Twitter, participating in chats should be easy. Simply enter the chat hashtag (#CampusChat) during the chat time and begin to see those tweets during the chat.

Here’s a step-by-step guide: How to Take Part in a Twitter Chat.

What college-related chats should I attend?

The following chats should be a good start and help you get accustomed to participating. Once you have mastered these, search Twitter for others that will be relevant to college prep.

#CollegeChat–Tuesdays at 9PM ET

#CampusChat–Wednesdays at 9PM ET

#CollegeCash–Thursdays at 8PM ET

Once you have participated in a few chats, it should get easier. Don’t worry if you’re a newbie–all newbies are greeted with open arms and are always welcomed participants.

twitter chats

Wednesday’s Parent joins #CampusChat

 

#campuschatAt the beginning of my Twitter journey, I made a connection with Kelly Queijo, founder of Smart College Visit (@collegevisit), an award winning college search and travel planning resource for college-bound students and their parents. We became supporters of one another and college prep colleagues.

Since then, I’ve been a supporter of Smart College Visit’s  #CampusChat—a weekly Twitter chat on Wednesday’s at 9PM ET, and one of the longest running education-related chats. This chat has covered all topics related to college prep, often focusing on the college visit and reaching out to parents of college-bound teens.

I’m excited to share with you that Wendy David-Gaines (@pocsmom) and I (@suzanneshaffer) will be hosting the #CampusChat Twitter chat on the fourth Wednesday of each month, starting March 26, at 9pm ET/6pm PT.

I hope you will join us on March 26th and the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9pm ET/6pm PT for Smart College Visit’s #CampusChat with Wednesday’s Parent as we share tips for parents of the college-bound from our #CampusChat buddies and expert guests.  College focused Twitter chats are an excellent way to learn from the experts and meet other parents.Come chat with us and bring your questions and comments!

twitter chatsHere are some simple instructions to join a Twitter chat:

1.  Sign-in to Twitter or sign-up for a free Twitter account here. https://twitter.com

2.  When it is time for the chat to start, type “#CampusChat” into the search bar at the top right of your screen.

3.  Click on “All” to see all the #CampusChat tweets.

4.  When the chat starts, you will now be able to see the whole #CampusChat conversation, ask a question, respond, and participate on whatever level you are comfortable with. Be sure to use the hashtag #CampusChat to tweet during the chat. That way everyone participating in the chat will be able to see your tweet.

5.  There are free sites like Hootsuite, TweetChat and TweetDeck that you may also use to more easily manage your social media interactions.

I hope to see you every Wednesday night at 9pm ET/6pm PT for Smart College Visit’s #CampusChat, with Wednesday’s Parent being the subject the fourth Wednesday of each month. Let’s chat!

parenting, social networks

Using Twitter Chats for College Prep

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twitter chatsTwitter chats offer a goldmine of information for parents. Any question you need answered or advice you need to hear related to college prep and higher education can be answered in a Twitter chat. College admissions officers, financial aid officers, college counselors, parents, parent advocates and college experts congregate in Twitter chats.

For those of you who are novices to Twitter chats and hashtracking, I’m going to answer your basic questions and offer some guidance. If you have additional questions, feel free to leave a comment and I will respond.

What’s a Twitter Chat?

A Twitter chat is a group of like-minded people gathering on a specific time to chat on Twitter. It’s just like a chat room, without the room. Tweets to one another are recognized by using a hashtag (#beforethename) that indicates you are participating in the chat. Others will be able to easily see your tweets by using the specific hashtag.

Most Twitter chats have moderators and guests that answer basic questions. You are encouraged to participate by asking your own questions and offering any advice you might have on the topic.

How do I participate?

Simply use the hashtag (#twitterchat) and read those who use the same tag. You can tweet to them, retweet their tweets and participate in the conversation.

What tools do I need to participate?

You can use any Twitter program to follow the tweets. Some suggestions are Hootsuite, TweetChat, and TweetDeck. All you need to do is do a search for the specific hashtag and follow the thread.

Can you recommend some chats that would be helpful?

Following is a list of chats that will help college-bound parents navigate the college prep process:

  • #CampusChat 9PM ET weekly on Wednesdays
  • #CollegeChat 9PM ET weekly on Tuesdays
  • #CollegeCash 8PM ET weekly on Thursdays
  • #EdChat 7PM ET on Tuesdays

If you have any others you would recommend, please add them in a comment.

 

admissions, college guidance, college planning, social networks

Upcoming Twitter #Chats

Since my readers are all about gathering the BEST college information, you might like to know about some upcoming Twitter chats. College-related chats are popping up on Twitter and it’s a great place to chat with some experts and ask those questions that you’ve been dying to have answered.

Here is a list of upcoming chats:

#CollegeBound

Monday, May 24 at 4:00 p.m. EST #CollegeBound events will offer higher education administrators, college media, education experts, and others a unique hour to connect with and engage potential and incoming students. The first #CollegeBound chat, “Preparing for College,” will provide potential students of all ages with an inside look at the college research process, including how to navigate the plethora of available information, make a school decision that’s right for them, and get their school questions answered. The CollegeBound Network’s blog, “U. Got It?”, features more information on the event.

#CampusChat

#CampusChat is an online higher-ed conversation that takes place on Twitter hosted by Z. Kelly Queijo, founder of SmartCollegeVisit. Topics center around college visits, college admissions, and aspects related to life as a college student. This week’s upcoming chat Wednesday, May 26 at 9PM ET features @EricYaverbaum, author of  Life’s Little College Admissions Insights.

#CollegeChat

Bestselling author and higher-education journalist Lynn O’Shaughnessy will share tips from her new book “Shrinking the Cost of College: 152 Ways to Cut the Price of a Bachelor’s Degree” during the first edition of #CollegeChat on Twitter on June 1, 2010 at 6 pm Pacific. During the live Twitter chat, Lynn will discuss how to become a smart consumer in cutting the cost of college and will describe how the college financial aid process works and where to find the money.

I’m looking forward to seeing you at these chats and to participating in the lively discussions. Mark your calendars!

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For more information about how to use these tools or how to keep up with or follow a chat, read Z. Kelly Queijo, founder of SmartCollegeVisit‘s  blog post on Handshake 2.0: 3 Easy Ways to Keep in Step with a Twitter Chat