This time of year, parents are busy buying binders, notebook paper, highlighters, pens, pencils, etc. for their elementary, junior high and high school students. Don' overlook these same costs when putting together your older child's college budget! School supplies are still needed and you might not be thinking about all of the things your kids use at home and you will now have to buy for the dorm room. According to the National Retail Federation, here are the average amounts spent on the top items: Electronics: $266 – Did you know you will need to buy a laptop lock, Ethernet cable, power strips, etc.? Clothing and Accessories: $119 – This does not include all of the college t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. Dorm Furnishings: $80 – Does…
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Colleges Want to see Community Service
High School Students take note: Colleges want dedicated students, not those who are just doing community service to get into college. Explore a range of groups, causes and hobbies. Select the ones you like and stick with them. The longer you are with a group, the better. If there is a group or club you enoy, get more involved. If you are shy and want to start small, be a project leader; if you are adventurous, run for office! Either way, you will be displaying your ability to lead and take on more responsibility. Don't join every club, don't join any infact. The easiest thing to do if you are involved in sports, band, ASB, yearbook, etc. is to apply for a leadership role. many students…
Required Classes for UC Eligibility
Here in California, most high school kids are getting ready to register for classes. If your child is hoping to attend a UC school in the future, there are specific classes required for UC admission, these are called, "A-G" courses. Keep in mind that when a college says a course is recommened, you should take that to mean, "required". Admissions are competitive, so take all recommended courses! Keep the door open even if you think you might want to start out at a Community College. If you change your mind later, you will still be eligible! Required "A-G" Courses: a. History/Social Science – 2 years required b. English – 4 years required c. Math – 3 years required, 4 years recommended d. Lab Science –…
College Freshman – Know Before You Go!
It is almost time to pack up and head off to college for the Fall 09 quarter/semester! There are many things to consider, plan for and buy. Here is a handy checklist to keep you on track. Is your housing taken care of?Have you checked your student portal for new information?Will you take your car? Where will you park?Are there special computer requirements?What phone options are available?Have you discussed allowance with your parents?Set up banking arrangements. Is your account linked to your parents account so they can transfer money to you quickly?Do you need to obtain a work-study job or follow up on any of your aid?What will you do for medical insurance? Is there a pharmacy on campus?Do you need a school health insurance…
Colleges Encourage iPhone Use
Colleges are now pushing iPhone apps for their students. Most colleges now offer podcasts of lectures and guest speakers but now there are some very specific as well as a few general apps that will increase your productivity. Apps for all students to check out; Dictionary.com, Periodic table, Chem calculator, Easy task manager, Sparky (for Spark notes), G flash (flash cards) and Scientific calculator. More specialized apps include; Medical Abbreviations, Diagnosis Codes, Gestational Calendar and Cholesterol management algorithm. Check to see if your college has a campus specific app as some have to show you campus maps, course catalogs and on campus events.
College Campus Tour Tips
The summer is a great time to take your student on college campus visits. When you are on a tour, be sure to make it your priority to get a sense of the school’s academic environment. Here are some great questions to ask (or have your student ask) on a campus visit:**Do students interact with their professors outside of the classroom?**Do many guest lecturers come to the campus?**Do professors within your student’s department of interest offer open lectures on their research and newest discoveries?**How active are academic societies on campus?**Do students ask questions at the end of lectures or in smaller breakaway sessions? Get more great tips for your student and tons of financial aid help when you come to a FREE College Planning Workshop! …
Colleges Still Need Blind?
According to a New York Times story, “many colleges are looking more favorably on wealthier applicants as they make their admissions decisions this year.” Colleges across the US have begun downsizing their administrations and school budgets in line with the economic climate, but financial aid has long been considered a safe haven. The past decade has witnessed an increase in “need-blind” aid by colleges in the effort to attract the most diverse student body. However, the current economic decline is driving more families than ever to request financial aid. Something has to give. Get more information on how to apply to the right schools, how to pay for college without dipping into your retirement or sacrificing your current lifestyle, maximize your financial awards and more…
College Medicine Cabinet
Chances are good that you won’t have your own private bathroom with a medicine cabinet all to yourself when you go away to college. Nevertheless, you will need to have any medications you take and some first-aid essentials readily at hand. Here’s what to do: Find a clean, sturdy, lightweight plastic container that opens easily to serve as your “home-away-from-home” medicine cabinet. (Bathroom medicine cabinets aren’t the best places to store medicines anyway since the damp humid air in them may cause ingredients in pills or capsules to change.) Keep your medications in this container, along with first-aid supplies (see list below). Also include emergency phone numbers for your local health care provider or the student health center, as well as the regional Poison Control…
A College Professor’s Guide to Making the Grade
The following is from a college math professor, take note! 1. Take all prerequisites before your first collegiate math class.2. Attend all classes and arrive at least 10 minutes early.3. Buy your textbook early and skim the first chapter.4. Sit close to the front of the classroom to avoid distractions.5. Find a srudy partner and try to meet several times a week.6. Monitor your study habits and attitude.7. Do not be afraid to ask questions – often high school students think asking questions is a sign of weakness. This is not true in college.8. Seek help from study labs or professors early.9. Consider taking a class over the summer when you can only focus only on this one course.10. Keep up on a daily basis…
Bikes on College Capmuses
Time to get a bike for school! Most of you will be looking for a new bike this fall for your new college campus. Bikes are an integral part of your daily college life. Unless you are able to score an aweome deal before you leave for school at Target or Wal Mart and that is if you have room in or on your car to carry the bike to school, you will need to find one on campus. Bikes at the bike stores on and around campus are very expensive! Who wants to pay 200-300 dollars for a bike, right? You also want to keep in mind that you will need a rear "fender" so you don't end up with the "Freshman Stripe" the…
