Repaying a student loan could soon be a little less painful. Starting this week, anyone with a federal student loan can apply for a program, run by the Department of Education, that caps monthly payments based on income, and forgives remaining balances after 25 years. Those choosing to work in public service could have their loans forgiven after just 10 years. Eligibility for income-based repayment (IBR) is determined by a person's income and loan size. A calculator at www.ibrinfo.org can help borrowers determine their eligibility for the plan, which becomes available Wednesday. "It's a way to borrow for college without going to the poor house," said Lauren Asher, president of the Institute for College Access & Success, a California-based nonprofit that runs the Project on…
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College Ready Summer Reading List for High School Students
Make sure your kids are ready for next year and college by reading some of these reccommended books this summer! Before Entering Ninth Grade Adams: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy c1980 humor, science fictionAfter narrowly escaping Earth’s destruction, Arthur Dent travels the galaxy with the help of tour guide Ford Prefect, on a quest to save the universe. Anaya: Bless Me, Ultima c1972 diversity, fictionA healer helps Antonio when he comes to live with his family in New Mexico. Anderson, Laurie Halse: Speak c1999 emotional problems, fictionMelinda begins high school as a social outcast after a traumatic experience in the summer. Blackwood: The Year of the Hangman c2002 alternate history adventureIn 1777, 15-year-old Creighton is kidnapped from England and taken to the American colonies,…
Obama Administration Announces Streamlined College Aid Application
The Obama Administration today announced a shorter, simpler, and more user friendly Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that will make it easier to apply for college financial aid. The changes—some of which are already in place while others will be phased in over the next few months—are designed to increase postsecondary enrollment, particularly among low- and middle-income students. "President Obama has challenged the nation to once again have the highest percentage of college graduates in the world," said Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education. "To do that, we need to make the college-going process easier and more convenient, and to send a clear message to young people as well as adults that college is within their reach. Simplifying the financial aid process is…
Clubs and More!
On campus clubs are a valuble part of high school. Not only do you connect with others that have similar interest as you, they provide leadership and community service needed on those college applications. Remember that colleges see applications from hundreds of ASB presidents, school newspaper editors, yearbook editors, etc. If you can do something different that really stands out then you can get your foot in the door. Think about the thing that you are most passionate about, is there a club at your high school for it? If you can't find it, found it! If your school does not offer a club or organization revolving around an activity that you have interest in then start one yourself. Colleges love students who display that…
Join President and First Lady Obama in Community Service
We talk to our students everyday about the importance of community service. This is not only importnat for college applicaitons but for finding your passion, giving you a purpose in life and trying out career fields for the future. To further validate this point, our Presidnet and First lady are also putting out the message to America, time to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Read the following message from www.serve.gov and get yourself started! "This summer the President is calling on all American's to participate in our Nation's recovery and renwal by serving in our communities. There are many ways to get involved. America's new foundation will be built one community at a time and it begins with you!" – President and…
Parents, Get Involved in the College Planning Process!
You can't make a major decision that could affect the ret of your life alone. It's got to be a team effort with your parents. Here's why: 1. Two or three heads are better than one There are thousands of colleges to choose from. Narrowing this list can be intimidating. Kimberley Townsend, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., says, “High school seniors are inexperienced in the decision-making arena. The application process made me so nervous, I procrastinated on every step of the way.” “Your parents’ guidance is necessary to sift through all the concerns you have, and to compare the pros and cons of various colleges,” says Colin Alphonso, a graduate of Collin County Community College in Allen, Texas. According to Jeremy…
Choose a Career that is important to you!
Practically all of us go through a time in our lives when we are torn between what we know we want and need in a career, and what others say we should want and need. Sometimes these internal wars are the result of near-constant media exposure. If, for example, you watch television for even half an hour, you will be pushed in all sorts of ways toward “the good life”: a bigger car, nicer house, better body. At other times, the career “shoulds” develop much closer to home. Such as when your academic adviser says, “You’ll never get a decent job with a philosophy degree.” You might feel pressured to cave in. That’s the easiest, fastest way to stop the unwanted advice and criticism. Then…
President Obama Urges Students to go to College
Do your parents tell you to move out of the house? Go to college. Even if you go to online college you will get out of the house sooner and stay out on your own with the great job you will get. According to the most recent US Government census, Americans with a bachelor’s degree earned 51% more than those with just a high school diploma. Those with a bachelor’s degree earned over $52,000 per year on average. Once you realize that college is your next step, you need to find one. Here are some questions you might find helpful to find the college for you. 1. Is an in-state or out of state college right for you?2. Are small schools a better fit for my…
PICK YOUR SAT SUBJECT TESTS CAREFULLY!
This week I would like to focus on the all important SAT Subject Tests. Why are they so important for top colleges? In short, they help colleges interpret your grades and equalize grading scales from high school to high school. How does an A at school X compare to an A in school Y? Well, if one student scored a 770 on the Bio SAT Subject Test and the other scored a 580, we'd know that the first school had a much "truer" grading scale and that the competition was simply not as strong at school Y. In effect, these scores either show that a student deserved the high grades he received, or that the school simply hands out many A's. With that being the case,…
CAl Grants Cut for College Students
The Legislature will be meeting this week. Please forward this important and timely information to all interested parties. Read to the bottom to find a sample letter & the email & phone contact information to let your voice be heard. Thank You. As you've probably heard, the governor is planning on eliminating Cal Grants for students for the 2009-10 school year. This budget cut will affect your child whether or not he/she will be receiving a Cal Grant, because the removal of the Cal grants will affect the remaining budgets for the universities. As a result, the remaining university funds will have to be redistributed, thereby resulting in reductions or elimination of any kind of proposed grant aid to ALL California university students and potential…
